"Exorcism Ritual"... Son-in-Law Sets Fire to Terminal Lung Cancer Mother-in-Law's Body

"No Intent, Diminished Responsibility" Claim
Sentenced to 2 Years 6 Months for Arson
Acquitted of Attempted Patricide... "Lack of Evidence"

A son-in-law who set fire to his mother-in-law's body, who was hospitalized with lung cancer, claiming to perform an exorcism ritual (driving away evil spirits from a person or house), was sentenced to imprisonment.

Exorcism ritual. The photo is not directly related to the content of the article. [Image source=TV Chosun 'Exploratory Report Seven' capture]

According to the legal community on the 13th, the 13th Criminal Division of the Seoul Northern District Court (Chief Judge Lee Tae-woong) recently sentenced Kim (44), who was indicted on charges of arson and injury to a dwelling, to 2 years and 6 months in prison.

On May 29, Kim threw a lighter-lit tissue at his mother-in-law A (68), who was hospitalized in a terminal stage of lung cancer at a hospital in Nowon-gu, Seoul, while nursing her.

During this incident, A suffered second-degree burns on her scalp, left hand, face, and neck.

Kim had been taking turns with his wife to care for A, and it was confirmed that he visited the hospital for nursing on the day of the crime as well.

Kim's side claimed, "During the exorcism ritual, the lit tissue was thrown into the air, but A suddenly moved, causing it to touch her hair," and argued that "there was no intent to commit arson."

They also added that Kim was in a state of mental incapacity or diminished capacity due to overdosing on antidepressants that cause hallucinations and delirium.

However, the court did not accept Kim's claims. The court ruled that Kim had intent, recognizing at least implicitly that the fire could spread to A, the bed, and the hospital building, and that Kim was not in a diminished mental state as he had taken only the recommended dosage of medication.

However, regarding the charge of attempted murder of a direct ascendant, the court judged him not guilty, stating, "Based solely on the evidence submitted by the prosecution, it cannot be concluded that the defendant had the intent to kill the victim by setting the fire."

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