Former Non-Commissioned Officer Denies Charges in Second Trial Over Wife's Death From Neglect

A former Army non-commissioned officer, who received a heavy prison sentence in the first trial for neglecting his wife until she died from total body contamination and skin necrosis, has denied the charges again in his second trial.

The 5th Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judge Kim Yong-seok) announced during the first appeal hearing for A's murder case on the 21st that A's legal team submitted an appeal brief maintaining his innocence.

A's side claimed in the appeal brief, "The victim said, 'I will get up on my own, so please wait,' and because she was always covered with a blanket, we could not properly recognize her condition."

They also argued that the sentence from the first trial was too severe, taking into account that he had continuously protected his spouse and did not actively inflict harm.

Meanwhile, the prosecution argued in its appeal brief that, considering the victim's suffering and the fact that he has shown no remorse to this day, the sentence from the first trial was too light, and urged the court to sentence him to life imprisonment as originally demanded.

The court plans to hold one more hearing on the 25th of next month to listen to statements from the victim's bereaved family and close the arguments if possible.

A was put on trial in December of last year on charges of causing his wife's death by failing to take protective measures in November of last year, even though her entire body was contaminated with waste and she suffered from infections and skin necrosis due to bedsores.

Investigations revealed that he effectively neglected his wife for three months starting in August of that year, despite her becoming immobile due to panic disorder and depression.

Later, on November 17 of that year, he called 119, stating, "My wife is unresponsive," and A's wife passed away the next day while receiving treatment at a hospital.

A was emergency-arrested by the police following a report from the hospital staff who suspected neglect.

Although he denied the charges in court, stating, "I did not know my wife needed rescue," the military court handling the first trial found him guilty and sentenced him to 30 years in prison last month.

The first trial court determined that A had implicit intent to commit murder, as he intentionally avoided taking her to the hospital because supporting her had become burdensome.

A was discharged from the military following the first trial's sentencing, becoming a civilian.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
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