Military Sexual Assault Attempt Incident, Controversy over Post-Crime Remarks

A serving soldier on leave attempted to sexually assault an unfamiliar woman in a women's restroom of a commercial building while brandishing a weapon. Following the incident, testimonies have emerged indicating that he told his family, "You can claim diminished capacity."

On the 17th, the 11th Criminal Division of the Daejeon District Court (presided over by Judge Park Woo-geun) conducted a second hearing for a 20-year-old man, referred to as A, who was indicted for violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (rape, etc.) and for special room intrusions.

During the hearing, Police Officer B, who transported A to the hospital immediately after the incident, testified shockingly.

B stated, "Right after the incident, A attempted suicide and had injured his hand, requiring stitches. He was in the hospital room with his parents and asked his father to leave before speaking with his mother," adding, "A told his mother, 'My uncle and grandfather have a lot of money; is there no one to help?' and 'You can claim diminished capacity.'"

B further mentioned, "When his mother asked about the possibility of a diminished capacity diagnosis, A replied, 'I attended a Green Camp while in the military.' I heard this inside the hospital room and wrote it in the investigation report."

Defense Counsel: "He was in a state of mental confusion," Requests Psychological Evaluation

In response, A's defense attorney argued, "At that time, A was in a state of mental confusion, and I question whether it was appropriate for the police to document a private conversation based solely on their judgment."

The attorney also noted that A may have used the term "diminished capacity" due to the influence of the numerous crime-related movies he had watched during approximately one year and six months of living in seclusion, asserting the need for a psychological evaluation to ensure accurate judgment.

The prosecution stated that a psychological evaluation was unnecessary, but the court accepted the defense's request and decided to conduct a psychological assessment of A.

The court plans to conduct questioning of the defendant based on the results of A's psychological evaluation at the next hearing, and the procedure for victim testimonies of the assaulted woman, C, will also be conducted.

Previously, A was accused of hiding in a women’s restroom in a commercial building in Daejeon on January 8 at around 3:30 PM with a weapon. He moved to the adjacent stall, where he assaulted a woman in her 20s, C, several times in an attempt to sexually assault her.

C sustained injuries to her head and ear from A's attacks and underwent emergency surgery immediately after the incident. She is currently in a stable condition, though she suffered five cuts over 10 cm on her head and severe injuries where her ear was pierced, exposing her cartilage.

At that time, it was reported that C heard A say, "I’m a soldier, and I'm going to die today," "Before I die, I want to have intercourse with you," and "Take off your pants."

After being stabbed multiple times, C tried to calm A by suggesting, "Alright. This restroom stall is small, so let’s go outside to do it. Whatever we’re going to do, let’s step outside first," managing to lure A outside. When she sensed someone's presence in the hallway, A ceased his attack, allowing her to save her life.

A forced C to shake hands before fleeing the scene to a nearby apartment. He later attempted suicide but was urgently arrested by responding police officers.

Image source: jtbc 'Incident Report', reference photos for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank