The side of suspect Kim So-young (20), in the "Gangbuk motel serial murder case" accused of killing two people with drug-laced drinks, argued at the first trial in the first instance that "there was no intent to kill."
The Criminal Agreement Division 14 of the Seoul Northern District Court (Presiding Judge Oh Byeong-hee, Director General judge) held the first hearing on Kim So-young's charges including murder and aggravated bodily harm on the 9th.
Kim's attorney said, "It is acknowledged that drinks were given to the three victims, but it was thought they would drink them and fall asleep."
Wearing a green prison uniform, Kim So-young entered the courtroom that day with a white mask covering the face. When asked to remove the mask while giving a statement, Kim lowered the mask and said, "I do not wish for a citizen-participation trial." The bereaved families objected.
Kim So-young was indicted and detained on the 10th of last month on charges of handing drug-laced drinks to three men in their 20s from mid-December last year to Feb. 9 this year, causing them to lose consciousness or die.
Prosecutors found that Kim So-young used men to satisfy consumption desires and economic gratification, and then handed over drug-laced drinks to avoid conflict situations or to subdue the victims.
Even during the investigation stage, Kim So-young admitted to handing drug-laced drinks to the victims but denied intent to kill.
Before the trial, the bereaved family of victim A told reporters, "Kim So-young crushed at least more than 50 pills at home with an elbow and put them into a hangover remedy, committing the crime in a planned manner," and said, "We earnestly ask the panel to impose the maximum sentence allowed by law, the death penalty."