Prosecution Seeks 7-Year Prison Sentence for Man Who Assaulted and Set Fire to Nephew Over Inheritance Dispute

A 50-year-old man accused of assaulting his nephew and attempting to kill him by setting him on fire amid an ongoing inheritance dispute with his sister has been recommended for a prison sentence. During the final hearing held today (July 20) at the Incheon District Court's Bucheon Branch, presided over by Judge Na Sang-hoon of the 1st Criminal Division, the prosecution requested a seven-year prison term for the defendant, who was indicted on charges including attempted murder. The prosecution did not provide specific reasons for the sentencing recommendation. In his closing argument, The Attorney stated, "As there is no proof of the crime regarding the attempted murder charge, we ask for an acquittal," adding, "Regarding the charge of arson of a general building, we ask for leniency, considering that the defendant is deeply reflecting on his actions and that there are circumstances to be taken into account regarding the motive of the crime." The defendant also stated, "The entire investigation was conducted based solely on the victim's account, despite there being no clear evidence for the attempted murder charge," and added, "I know I committed a crime, and I will willingly accept the punishment for the crimes I have committed." The defendant was indicted while under arrest for allegedly assaulting his 20-something nephew on the morning of December 13 of last year at his sister's home in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province, and attempting to kill him by spraying a flammable substance purchased from a gas station and setting it on fire. It was determined that he committed the crime after a long-standing conflict with his sister over the inheritance of their deceased parents' estate, after which he returned to his own home in Gimpo and set it on fire. At the time, the defendant was in a state of severe intoxication. Throughout the trial, he claimed, "I was drunk at the time and have a pre-existing cerebrovascular disease, so I do not remember much." Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by JISOO | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News
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