Philippine National Who Murdered Coworker During Drinking Dispute Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

A 40-something Philippine national has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for fatally stabbing a coworker with a weapon following an argument at a drinking gathering.

The Supreme Court's Third Division (presiding Justice Lee Sook-yeon) recently finalized the lower court ruling sentencing A (41), a Philippine national indicted on murder charges, to 20 years.

A was indicted on charges of getting into an argument with B (36), a coworker of the same nationality, at a villa in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, in the early hours of December 1 of last year, and killing him by swinging a weapon.

Investigations showed that A had an argument after coming under suspicion that he had reported B to the dormitory manager for causing a disturbance while drinking about a week prior. Believing he might be threatened by B afterward, A purchased a weapon and carried it with him whenever he went out.

On the day of the crime, A committed the murder after arguing upon being suspected of speaking ill of B.

The first trial stated, "Given the means, methods, and consequences of the crime, the culpability is extremely heavy," and sentenced A to 20 years in prison.

The court explained the reasoning for the sentence, adding, "It is presumed that the victim met his end in extreme agony due to the defendant's attack, and the victim's bereaved family members, living far away overseas, will also have to live with immeasurable pain for the rest of their lives."

Following the second trial, the Supreme Court also dismissed A's appeal, ruling that there were no errors in these judgments.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.