Life Sentence Upheld on Appeal for Former Cheonho-dong Redevelopment Association Head in Deadly Stabbing Spree

A former redevelopment association head who went on a deadly stabbing rampage at an association office in Cheonho-dong, Seoul, resulting in three casualties, has been sentenced to life imprisonment again on appeal.

The 5th Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judge Kim Yong-seok) sentenced the 67-year-old defendant, surnamed Cho, to life in prison—the same as the first-trial verdict—on charges including retaliatory murder under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes.

The court stated, "Although the conflict could have been resolved through legitimate means, he took personal revenge in an extremely brutal manner, and the consequences are grave and devastating." It added, "It is fitting to sentence him to life imprisonment, permanently isolating him from society and depriving him of his freedom, so that he may live out his days atoning and repenting to the bereaved families."

Cho was indicted and detained on charges of wielding a weapon against association officials at the association office in November of last year, killing one person and seriously injuring two others.

Investigations revealed that Cho committed the crime after demanding that one of the victims drop a complaint filed against him for forcible indecent act, which was met with refusal.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
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