A man surnamed A, 62, is accused of killing his 30-year-old son with a makeshift gun during a birthday party held in Songdo, Incheon, and has been alleged by the bereaved family to have also attempted to attack other attendees, including his daughter-in-law and grandson.
The bereaved family of B, 33, who was killed by A, said in a statement sent to some media outlets on the 23rd, "The suspect planned and executed indiscriminate murder not only against the victim but also against everyone present, but it seems he failed due to issues with the firearm."
The bereaved family reported, "The suspect said he was going to a convenience store for a moment after finishing the birthday party and then came back with a bag containing a firearm, firing two shots at the victim and pulling the trigger twice at the victim's acquaintance, but it misfired."
They added, "The suspect made the children retreat and yelled at his hiding daughter-in-law when she briefly stepped out to help the victim, pursuing her while reloading the firearm. When the daughter-in-law locked the door to protect the children, he tried several times to open the door and threatened her to come out."
However, A stated during police investigations that he only intended to kill his son, which differs from the bereaved family's claims. In response, the police plan to conduct additional investigations with the bereaved family and other attendees to confirm whether A attempted additional murders.
The bereaved family also stated, "We cannot overlook speculative reports suggesting there was a motive for the suspect's crime, which is why we are making this statement," and expressed opposition to the disclosure of the suspect's personal information due to concerns about secondary harm to the family. They further claimed, "The suspect showed no sign that he was aware of the victim's divorce," adding, "The assertion that the suspect committed this crime due to 'domestic discord stemming from divorce' is completely unfounded."
Previously, some media reported that there was domestic discord as B scolded A regarding his divorce from B's mother. The police commented, "There was never such a discussion during the investigation."
A is accused of firing a makeshift gun at his son B during a birthday party held in an apartment on the 33rd floor in Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, around 9:31 p.m. on his birthday, the 20th. Reports suggest that B's wife, two children, and acquaintances were also present.
At A's home in Dobong-gu, Seoul, where he was captured after fleeing, 15 flammable substances, including a plastic bottle filled with thinner, a detergent container, and a milk carton, along with an ignition device, were discovered. It was revealed that a timer had been set to ignite them at noon on the 21st, the day after the murder.