‘Bundang Weapon Rampage’ Choi Won-jong Sentenced to Life Imprisonment in First Trial… Court Rules "No Recognition of Diminished Responsibility"
Court: "Cannot Accept Claims of Diminished Mental Capacity or Loss Due to Schizophrenia"
Choi Won-jong (23), who wielded a weapon in a department store causing 14 casualties, was sentenced to life imprisonment in the first trial.
Choi Won-jong, the assailant involved in the stabbing incident at Seohyeon Station, is responding to reporters' questions as he leaves the detention center at Seongnam Sujeong Police Station and heads to the transport vehicle on the morning of August 10 last year for transfer to the prosecution. Photo by Heo Young-han younghan@
View original imageThe Criminal Division 2 of Seongnam Branch Court of Suwon District Court (Chief Judge Kang Hyun-gu) sentenced Choi, who was detained and indicted on charges including murder, to life imprisonment on the 1st and ordered him to wear an electronic tracking device for 30 years.
The court stated, "This incident caused fear that anyone could be a target of terrorism in public places where crowds gather, and immediately after the incident, posts predicting terrorism frequently appeared online, causing negative effects," and judged, "All charges are recognized as guilty." The court also did not acknowledge the claims of diminished or lost mental capacity due to schizophrenia made by Choi and his defense attorney.
On the afternoon of August 3 last year, Choi Won-jong drove his mother's car and rushed onto the sidewalk near AK Plaza Bundang Branch in Bundang-gu, Seongnam City, hitting five pedestrians. Afterward, he got out of the car, entered the department store, and wielded a weapon.
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Earlier, the prosecution stated, "Despite committing a cruel and inhumane crime, the defendant shows no sincere effort to recover damages and claims diminished mental capacity to seek a reduced sentence, showing no remorse. The bereaved families and victims are petitioning for the maximum sentence against the defendant," and requested the death penalty for Choi.
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