"I Didn't Kill Him," Tearful Lee Eunhae... Court: "Led Premeditated Murder Crime"

Recognition of 'Indirect Murder' Charge, Life Imprisonment Sentence Given

Defendant Lee Eun-hae in the 'Valley Murder' case
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] "I have been criticized until now because of my shameful past behavior. Every day has been hell, and it is difficult; I also blame myself."

At the sentencing trial held on the 30th of last month at the Incheon District Court Criminal Division 15 (Chief Judge Lee Gyuhun) for the so-called 'Valley Murder' case, Lee Eunhae (31, female), who was charged with murder and attempted murder, tearfully denied all charges in her final statement.

Lee stated, "I never killed my oppa (husband), who thought of my child as his own and sincerely cared for me until the end," and "I did not plan to kill oppa to claim insurance money."

The accomplice, Jo Hyunsoo (30, male), said, "I fled due to the pressure of coercive investigation while being questioned by the prosecution regarding this case," adding, "I feel sorry about the accident and understand the bereaved family's resentment, but I never planned to kill hyung (Lee's husband)."

Their joint defense attorney argued in the final defense, "After realizing the accident, Lee threw life jackets into the water, and Jo also wore goggles and tried to find Lee's husband," and asked, "I want to ask what further measures could have been taken."

He continued, "This trial was conducted based on public opinion without strong evidence to prove the charges from the beginning. It is a wrongful trial," and said, "We hope the court faithfully adheres to the principle that factual recognition must be based on evidence and delivers a not guilty verdict."

On the other hand, the prosecution requested life imprisonment for both Lee and Jo. The prosecution also asked the court to order the attachment of electronic monitoring devices (electronic anklets) for 20 years, probation for 5 years, restrictions on going out during certain hours, and prohibition of contact with the victims' families.

The prosecution stated, "The defendants planned a perfect crime by disguising the death as an accident and killed the victim driven by a get-rich-quick mentality aiming for a large life insurance payout," adding, "Lee exploited the victim by labeling him as her husband and committed a brutal crime, and Jo knowingly took advantage of their sham marriage."

They also said, "The defendants evaded detention center surveillance by exchanging notes in response to prosecution questioning and showed audacious behavior by mocking the investigating prosecutors." The prosecution explained the reason for their request, saying, "Since they show no remorse, a heavy punishment corresponding to the crime is necessary to uphold judicial justice and somewhat ease the pain of the bereaved."

Contrary to the claims of Lee and Jo, at the first trial sentencing held on the 27th at the Incheon District Court Criminal Division 15 (Chief Judge Lee Gyuhun), Lee was sentenced to life imprisonment, and Jo was sentenced to 30 years in prison. The court also ordered both to wear electronic monitoring devices for 20 years after completing their sentences.

The court stated, "The defendants, who sought to receive 800 million won in life insurance, attempted twice to kill the victim but failed; yet they did not give up and ultimately killed him," adding, "Considering the motive and method of the crime, the nature of the offense is extremely bad." Furthermore, the court said, "(At the time of the valley murder) they did not plan to rescue from the beginning and disguised it as an accidental death," and added, "It is equivalent to murder by act."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.