Cha Cheolnam Sentenced to Life in First Trial for Murder of Chinese-Korean Brothers in Siheung

The suspect in the 'Siheung Murder Case,' Cha Cheolnam (56), a Chinese-Korean resident, is being transferred from Siheung Police Station in Gyeonggi Province to the prosecution on May 27. Photo by Yonhap News

Cha Cheolnam, a Chinese-Korean resident who was indicted for murdering two Chinese-Korean brothers and attempting to kill two additional Korean nationals, has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the first trial.

On November 12, the Criminal Division 1 of the Ansan Branch of Suwon District Court, presided over by Chief Judge Ahn Hyo-seung, delivered this sentence to Cha Cheolnam, who was charged with murder and attempted murder.

The court stated, "Human life is invaluable and cannot be exchanged for anything, yet the defendant meticulously planned the crime in detail, and the outcome was truly horrific."

The court further explained, "Two innocent lives were lost due to the defendant's actions, and the two victims of attempted murder are still undergoing treatment and have suffered psychological trauma. Additionally, the defendant showed no remorse and even displayed a boastful attitude about the crimes, and has not been forgiven by the victims' families. These factors were taken into account in sentencing."

Cha Cheolnam, a Chinese national, was accused of killing the two brothers, both in their 50s and also Chinese-Korean residents, with a blunt weapon at his home in Jeongwang-dong, Siheung City, and at the brothers' nearby residence between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. on May 17. He was also charged with stabbing and injuring a female convenience store owner in her 60s near his home at 9:34 a.m. on May 19, and a male landlord in his 70s at a sports park at 1:21 p.m. on the same day.

During the investigation, Cha Cheolnam stated, "I had lent a total of about 30 million won in Chinese currency to the brothers, with whom I was close, but when they failed to repay me despite several requests, I became angry and killed them."

He later fell into despair, believing his life was over, and decided to commit further crimes against the convenience store owner and the landlord, whom he harbored ill feelings toward for allegedly speaking badly about him or looking down on him.

Previously, at the sentencing hearing held on October 15, the prosecution had requested the death penalty for Cha Cheolnam.

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