The Daejeon Police Agency has revealed the results of their investigation into the murder of 8-year-old Kim Ha-neul, who was brutally killed by her teacher, Myung Jae-wan (48), at an elementary school in Daejeon. The investigation indicated that Myung’s anger and stress, stemming from family discord, work life, and dissatisfaction with himself, were expressed outwardly.

On the 12th, the dedicated investigation team transferred Myung to the prosecution, disclosing the details of their ongoing investigation.

The police explained that Myung initially sought methods to take his own life, but began expressing his intentions to harm others from three to seven days before the crime. This was also evidenced by his internet search history, which included searches for weapons and murder articles.

The police described this phenomenon with the psychological term ‘transference of anger,’ suggesting that Myung may have targeted a weaker victim for his crime.

After being arrested by the police right after the crime, Myung stated that he lured the last child leaving the after-school program to a multimedia room, intending to take several lives indiscriminately, saying, “Any child is fine; I want to die together.”

Based on evidence that Myung purchased the weapon himself and searched for past murder articles, the police focused on the possibility of premeditated murder in their investigation.

The police are also conducting a separate examination for antisocial personality disorder, and the first evaluation by a profiler confirmed that Myung is not a psychopath. Additionally, experts added that there is no direct correlation between his depression and the crime.

Myung is reported to have expressed apologies and regrets to the victims and their families.

The police applied charges of violation of specific crime aggravated punishment laws (abduction and imprisonment of minors under 13) to Myung, which carry heavier penalties than general murder charges.

According to this law, the crime of abducting and murdering a minor under the age of 13 is punishable by death or life imprisonment.

The police have sent the case to the prosecution and disclosed the personal information of the suspect, Myung Jae-wan, on the Daejeon Police Agency’s website.

Image Sources: News1, Daejeon Police Agency.