Police to Determine if Gwangju Stabbing Suspect Is a 'Psychopath'

Bloodstained Weapon Believed to Be Used in the Crime Found in Drainage Channel
No Direct Link Established Between Crime and Suspect’s Psychiatric History

The police have decided to conduct a psychopathy assessment on the suspect of the "indiscriminate stabbing rampage" that resulted in the death and injury of two high school students in downtown Gwangju. Authorities have secured a bloodstained weapon believed to have been used in the crime and are focusing their investigation on proving the possibility that the crime was premeditated.

According to the Gwangju Police Agency on May 6, the police plan to conduct a psychopathy diagnostic test (PCL-R) as soon as they apply for an arrest warrant for Mr. Jang, who was urgently apprehended on charges of murder and attempted murder.

Front view of Gwangju Police Agency.

This assessment consists of 20 questions that quantify personality traits such as callousness, impulsivity, and lack of empathy. In Korea, a score of 25 points or higher is generally classified as psychopathy. The police deemed the test necessary, citing the fact that Mr. Jang committed a brutal crime against minors without a clear motive.

While continuing to search the area around the crime scene, the police discovered a bloodstained weapon in a drainage channel near where Mr. Jang had abandoned his vehicle earlier that morning. Authorities have requested a forensic analysis to determine whether this weapon was actually used in the crime, while also focusing on collecting evidence to prove the possibility that Mr. Jang planned the attack.

During police questioning, Mr. Jang reportedly stated that he was contemplating suicide and was wandering around the crime scene when, upon encountering a female student, he impulsively decided to carry out the attack. However, police are also considering the possibility of premeditated intent, as no direct link has yet been established between the crime and factors such as Mr. Jang’s medication or alcohol use, or any history of psychiatric treatment.

Previously, at around 12:11 a.m. on May 5, Mr. Jang allegedly fatally stabbed Miss A, a 17-year-old second-year high school student who was on her way home in Wolgye-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, and seriously injured Mr. B, a 17-year-old male student who tried to help after hearing her screams.

The police plan to apply for an arrest warrant during the day and may convene a personal information disclosure review committee as early as tomorrow to decide whether to release Mr. Jang's face and name to the public.

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