Jung Jae-hwan, Accused of Killing Friend, Claims 'No Memory'; Bereaved Family Says, 'My Son Died Worse Than Roadkill'

Jung Jae-hwan (24), who is on trial for allegedly stabbing and killing his friend dozens of times with a weapon while intoxicated, admitted to the physical acts in court but denied any intent to kill, claiming he could not remember the situation at the time.

The 12th Criminal Division of the Daegu District Court (Presiding Judge Jeong Han-geun) held the second hearing today (September 11) for Jung Jae-hwan (24), who has been indicted and detained on charges including murder.

Jung's defense counsel stated that while the defendant acknowledges the acts themselves regarding the charges of murder, assault, and theft, he had no intent to commit murder at the time of the crime.

Jung's attorney stated, "It is not that the defendant claims he did not kill the victim, but rather that he was drunk and has no memory whatsoever of the situation at the time."

When asked by the court if his opinion was the same as his defense counsel's, Jung briefly answered, "Yes."

The court pointed out, "In principle, the mere circumstance of having no memory does not mean there was no awareness or intent regarding the crime," adding, "In the defendant's case, since he also performed actions such as taking photos after the crime, we will examine all circumstances of the offense to make our judgment."

The victim's legal representative argued that a psychological evaluation is unnecessary and that the defendant's state of mental or physical weakness should not be recognized.

The victim's attorney stated, "The defendant claimed he was heavily intoxicated to receive a reduced sentence and requested a psychological evaluation," adding, "It must be considered that even in a drunken state, he knew he was harming another person."

The court stated, "Checking the defendant's psychological state is very important," and added, "Regardless of whether mental or physical weakness is recognized, it is necessary to check the defendant's state through an evaluation. After reviewing the records, we will determine whether an additional psychological evaluation is necessary."

Numerous bereaved family members and friends of the victim attended the courtroom that day.

While the trial was underway, spectators in the gallery sobbed and shed tears.

The victim's father said, "My son was a very ordinary student. Excluding the time he was in the military, I raised him entirely in my arms," adding, "Such a child died worse than an animal killed in a roadkill accident on the street."

He went on to plead, "My son died so gruesomely that I couldn't even hold his hand once," and urged, "If a crime was committed, punishment must follow."

The court decided to proceed with the next hearing, scheduled for October 2, as a preparation date.

Jung was handed over to trial on charges of allegedly stabbing his friend dozens of times with a weapon for unknown reasons while drinking with the victim and other friends at his home in Hayang-eup, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, around 3:40 a.m. on July 4.

He was also indicted on charges including assault (bodily injury) for allegedly attacking another friend who was present that day.

Investigative authorities also applied theft charges to Jung for allegedly stealing two banana-flavored milks (valued at 3,600 won) from a nearby convenience store after the crime.

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