Jeong Jae-hwan, 24, who was indicted on charges of stabbing and killing a friend dozens of times with a weapon while drunk, acknowledged the act itself in court but denied intent to kill, saying he could not remember the situation at the time. The victim's family pleaded for a heavy sentence, saying, "Please take out the trash."
On the 11th, the 12th Criminal Division of the Daegu District Court (Presiding Judge Jeong Han-geun, Director General judge) held the second hearing for Jeong Jae-hwan, who was detained and indicted on charges including murder.
Jeong Jae-hwan's attorney acknowledged that the defendant committed the acts related to the charges of murder, injury, and theft, but argued there was no intent to kill at the time.
The attorney said, "It's not that the defendant did not kill the deceased, but that the defendant, being drunk, does not remember the situation at all." When the court asked if he agreed with his attorney, Jeong Jae-hwan briefly answered, "Yes."
The court noted, "In principle, the mere fact of having no memory does not mean there was no awareness or intent regarding the crime," adding, "In the defendant's case, there were actions such as taking photos after the crime, so we will review all the circumstances to make a determination."
The victim's attorney argued that a psychiatric evaluation of the defendant is unnecessary and that diminished capacity should not be recognized.
The victim's attorney said, "The defendant sought a psychiatric evaluation, claiming a state of extreme intoxication to receive a reduced sentence," and added, "Even while extremely intoxicated, the defendant should be seen as having known they were harming another person."
The court said, "It is very important to assess the defendant's psychological state," and added, "Regardless of whether diminished capacity is recognized, we need to confirm the defendant's state through an evaluation, so after reviewing the record we will decide whether an additional psychiatric evaluation is necessary."
The court decided not to accept the sentencing witness requested by the defendant. Instead, it informed the parties that they may submit a petition.
Many family members and the victim's friends were present in court that day. During the proceedings, some in the gallery sobbed or wept.
The victim's father said, "My son was a very ordinary student. Except for the time he was in the military, I raised him entirely," adding, "That child died in a way worse than an animal killed on the road."
He continued, "You cannot know the feelings of the bereaved unless you experience it yourself," adding, "You will know precisely if you go through your own child dying and your grandchild dying."
He added, "He died so gruesomely that I could not even hold my son's hand. I have to live my whole life like a sinner, looking at a single photo every day," and pleaded for a heavy sentence for Jeong Jae-hwan, saying, "Please take out the trash."
Jeong Jae-hwan was sent to trial on charges of stabbing and killing a friend dozens of times with a weapon while drinking with the victim and other friends at his home in Hayang-eup, Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang Province, at about 3:40 a.m. on July 4.
He is also accused of assaulting another friend who was present at the time and stealing two banana milks from a nearby convenience store after the crime.
The court scheduled the next hearing for Oct. 2.