A Cruel Crime That Betrayed a 20-Year Friend

A man in his 60s who murdered a friend who had supported him in numerous ways for 20 years to steal 100,000 won was sentenced to a heavy prison term even in the appellate trial.

On the 19th, the 2nd Criminal Division of the Gwangju High Court (Presiding Judge Lee Ui-young) rejected appeals from both the prosecution and defense for A (65), who was imprisoned for murder during a robbery and received a 35-year sentence in the first trial.

The prosecution sought a life sentence for A, but the appellate court maintained the original sentence.

During the appeal process, the prosecutor stated, "The defendant killed the victim, who was so good to him, over just a few thousand won. The victim must have felt immense betrayal while suffering." In contrast, A's legal representative argued, "While the defendant's wrongdoings are serious, considering his age, serving the original sentence would mean he would be released into society at the age of 100," advocating for a lighter sentence.

Incredibly Feels Betrayed

A's robbery and murder crime violates human ethics.

A is accused of wielding a weapon against a woman in her 70s, B, at a house in Sinwol-dong, Yeosu City, at around 11:14 PM on November 3 of last year.

At the time of the crime, A disguised himself by wearing extra clothing and a mask, but B, who woke up, immediately recognized A, whom she had known for 20 years.

B was known to have specially taken care of A, who had no family or relatives, by offering him a place to sleep and preparing meals. However, A planned the crime knowing that B had 100,000 won in her drawer to steal.

Severely injured, B was discovered by her daughter, who was sleeping in the next room, and was transported to the hospital but ultimately passed away during treatment.

After the crime, A hid the weapon about 200 meters away in a park’s grass and changed his clothes before fleeing to Suncheon, but he was eventually arrested by the police.

The appellate court pointed out, "The crime of robbery and murder is a crime against humanity, and the defendant targeted the victim, who knew of his difficult circumstances and helped him, making the blameworthiness very high. The sense of betrayal and mental anguish felt by the bereaved family must be extreme."

However, it also stated, "Considering that it seems he did not plan the murder, it rejected claims from both sides regarding the sentence's severity."

Image source: Reference photo to aid understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank