"Tracked Family's Home Through Private Investigator" Heavy Sentence Sought for Man in 50s for Attempted Murder of Family

Prosecution Seeks Nine-Year Prison Term at Final Hearing

Located Family's Address Through Private Investigator and Broke In During Divorce Proceedings

Prosecutors have sought a heavy sentence for a man in his 50s who, after hiring a private investigator to locate the residence of his estranged family during divorce proceedings, attempted to murder them with a weapon. In court, Mr. A admitted to all charges, and it was confirmed that his family members, including his son—the victim—expressed their wish for leniency rather than punishment.

The 12th Criminal Division of the Gwangju District Court (Presiding Judge Jang Wooseok) held a final hearing on May 20 for Mr. A (59), who was indicted on charges including attempted murder. At the hearing, the prosecution requested the court to sentence Mr. A to nine years in prison, citing the premeditated nature of the crime.

Front view of Gwangju District Court.

Mr. A was placed under detention and charged with breaking into the apartment where his estranged wife and son, Mr. B, were living on April 17 and attempting to murder his family with a weapon, but ultimately failing to do so.

Investigations revealed that Mr. A located his family's residence through a private investigator and meticulously prepared for the crime by checking the building's electricity meter to confirm if the unit was occupied.

At the time of the incident, Mr. A, who was intoxicated, hid in the apartment stairwell and waited. When his son, Mr. B, opened the front door, Mr. A swung the weapon he had prepared in advance. However, Mr. B managed to evade the attack by stepping back and, as a result, Mr. A was caught in the act and arrested, making the attempt unsuccessful.

During the trial, Mr. A admitted to all charges and pleaded for leniency, stating, "I will never harm my family again." Throughout the investigation, his family members, including his son, also expressed that they did not wish for Mr. A to be punished.

The court has concluded all arguments regarding Mr. A's case and scheduled the sentencing hearing for June 19 at 2 p.m.

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