'Prison Cellmate Assault and Murder' 20s Life Sentence Inmate Sentenced to Death in Second Trial

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] A man in his 20s serving a life sentence who was tried for beating a fellow inmate to death in prison was sentenced to the death penalty, the highest sentence in court, in the appellate trial.

On the 26th, the Daejeon High Court Criminal Division 1-3 (Chief Judge Lee Heungjoo) sentenced A (28), who was detained and prosecuted on charges including murder, to death. Fellow inmates B (29) and C (21), who were charged together for murder, were sentenced to 12 years and 14 years in prison, respectively.

At the previous sentencing hearing, the prosecution requested the court to sentence A to death and B and C to 20 years in prison each.

On this day, the appellate court pointed out regarding A, "He committed murder two years after the crime of robbery-murder," and "He harassed the victim simply to relieve stress without any clear reason." It also emphasized, "It is questionable whether there is any possibility of rehabilitation," and "It is difficult to find a precedent for a prisoner sentenced to life imprisonment killing a fellow inmate."

Furthermore, the court added, "By closely examining the victim's autopsy results, one can somewhat imagine the great pain endured," and "Considering the great mental suffering of the bereaved family and their desire for severe punishment." It also accepted the prosecutor's claim that the first trial sentences for B and C were too light.

Earlier, A was tried on charges of assaulting a fellow inmate (42) in the same prison cell at Gongju Prison on December 21, 2021, by strangling the victim’s neck and repeatedly kicking the chest area, causing death. B and C are accused of participating in the murder by climbing onto the victim’s abdomen or keeping watch.

They were investigated to have continuously subjected the victim to cruel acts such as pinching and twisting specific body parts with clothespins and pouring hot water on the head causing burns. It was also found that they prevented the victim from receiving hospital treatment and barred family visits to conceal these facts.

The victim had no health problems other than a pre-existing heart condition but died within just 20 days from systemic bleeding, inflammation, and multiple rib fractures.

Notably, A was serving a life sentence after being convicted of robbery-murder for killing a man in his 40s with a blunt weapon in Gyeryong in 2019, stealing 100 don of gold and a passenger car.

The first trial sentenced him to life imprisonment, considering "it was difficult to see that the defendant had a clear and active intention to kill from the beginning."

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