Former Teacher Accused of Killing 3-Year-Old Son Claims "Diminished Mental Capacity" at First Trial

"Admitting to the Crime, but... Claims of Diminished Responsibility"

The defense attorney of a former teacher, who was charged with killing his 3-year-old son after a failed attempt to murder his father, requested a psychiatric evaluation in court, claiming diminished responsibility and other factors.

On the 4th, the Criminal Division 1 of the Gimcheon Branch of Daegu District Court (Chief Judge Han Dong-seok) held the first trial for former teacher A (38), who was charged with murder and attempted murder of a direct ascendant.

A’s defense attorney stated, "We admit to all the charges, but (at the time of the crime) he was in a state of diminished responsibility and mental incapacity."

The defense also requested a sentencing investigation, asking the court to consider his medical history. The sentencing investigation is a system where a court investigator directly examines the defendant’s background and motive for the crime to reflect it in sentencing.

A, who was a teacher at a middle school in Gyeongbuk, was brought to trial for allegedly attempting to kill his father with a weapon during an argument at home in April last year. He was also tried for killing his 3-year-old son at his residence in December last year.

The Gyeongbuk Office of Education held a disciplinary committee two days after the murder case and dismissed A.

The next trial for A will be held on the 15th of next month.