Prosecutors sought life imprisonment for Kim Seong-ho, 43, who killed a jewelry shop owner in broad daylight and fled after stealing cash and valuables.
On the 11th, prosecutors asked the court to sentence Kim, who was detained and indicted on charges of robbery-murder and preparation for robbery, to life imprisonment at a sentencing hearing before the Criminal Division 1 of the Bucheon Branch of the Incheon District Court, presided over by Chief Judge Na Sang-hun.
Prosecutors said, "Given the defendant's motive and method and the circumstances after the crime, it is a deplorable crime against humanity with extremely poor culpability," and "Although there was no settlement with the bereaved family, we considered the lack of prior offenses of the same kind and the fact that the defendant is remorseful," explaining the reason for the sentencing request.
In a final statement, Kim said, "I sincerely apologize to the victim and the bereaved families who suffered because of me," and "I am deeply remorseful toward the victim who died due to my momentary impulse. I will not forget this regret and guilt and will atone for the rest of my life."
Kim was detained and indicted on charges of stabbing and killing A, a woman in her 50s who owned a jewelry shop in Wonmi-gu, Bucheon, Gyeonggi, at about 12:07 p.m. on Jan. 15, then fleeing after taking more than 40 pieces of jewelry (worth about 20 million won at market value) and 2 million won in cash.
A police investigation found that after killing A, Kim changed into a suit he had prepared in advance and fled, changing taxis multiple times. In particular, it was found that he carried out the crime meticulously, including selling the stolen jewelry to several jewelry shops during his escape. Five hours after the crime, Kim was caught by police on a street in Jongno-gu, Seoul. He was found to have committed the crime after being hounded by debt collectors.
Kim is also accused of visiting two jewelry shops in Seoul and Incheon the day before the crime to scout potential targets.
Meanwhile, the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency convened a committee to review disclosure of personal information and decided to reveal Kim's identity to help prevent repeat crimes against jewelry shops.