Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Killing Twin Brother He Cared For

A man in his 50s indicted and detained on charges of murdering his twin brother, whom he had cared for due to illness over a long period, has been sentenced to a heavy prison term.

Today (October 30), the 11th Criminal Division of the Suwon District Court (Presiding Judge Song Byung-hoon) sentenced the defendant, a man in his 50s identified as A, to 10 years in prison on murder charges.

The court stated that human life is a precious value that cannot be traded for anything else, and crimes violating it cannot be justified as the consequences are irreversible by any means.

The court further ruled that the defendant committed the crime using a cruel method that inflicted suffering on the victim, and the responsibility is heavy given that the crime was committed by his twin younger brother, whom the victim trusted and relied on.

However, the court explained its reasons for sentencing by noting that the defendant appeared to be in a state where it was difficult to make rational judgments due to a pre-existing mental illness while practically supporting his disabled brother.

Defendant A was brought to trial on charges of using a weapon to kill his sleeping twin brother, B, at a villa in Osan at around 3:30 AM on May 22.

It was learned that Defendant A had arranged living quarters for Brother B, who suffered from epilepsy and other conditions, and had taken charge of providing long-term financial support and nursing care.

Immediately after the crime, Defendant A attempted to take his own life and was found unconscious. During the investigation, he reportedly stated that while contemplating suicide due to depression, he committed the act because he thought no one would look after his brother if he died.

During subsequent trial proceedings, Defendant A's legal side argued that the crime was committed in a sort of blackout state caused by side effects from taking medications such as sleeping pills.

The prosecution had previously sought an 18-year prison sentence for Defendant A.

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