Husband Denies Murder Charge in Second Trial Over Wife's Death From Neglect

A former South Korean Army non-commissioned officer, sentenced to a heavy prison term in the first trial for leaving his wife to die while she suffered from severe bodily contamination and skin necrosis, has continued to deny the charges in his second trial.

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

The defense argued in the appeal brief, "The victim said, 'I will get up on my own, so please wait,' and she always kept a blanket over her, so he could not properly recognize her condition."

They also argued that the sentence from the first trial was too harsh, considering 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 yet to show remorse, the sentence from the first trial was too lenient and urged the court to sentence him to life imprisonment, matching their original sentencing recommendation.

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

A was put on trial in December of last year on charges of failing to take protective measures, leading to his wife's death in November of last year, despite her body being contaminated with waste and suffering from skin necrosis due to infections and bedsores.

Investigations showed that he had effectively neglected her for three months starting in August of that year, even though she had difficulty moving due to panic disorder and depression.

Afterwards, on November 17 of that year, he called 119, stating, "My wife's consciousness is fading," and A's wife passed away the following 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 intentionally avoided taking her to the hospital because he found supporting her burdensome, thus establishing eventual intent for murder.

Following the first trial's sentencing, A was discharged from the military and became a civilian.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.