Ex-girlfriend’s Revenge Murder and Related Charges
Appeal Court: “Mr. Seo Deposited a Considerable Amount… Victim’s Side Refused”
‘Gumi Stalker Killer’ Seo Dong-ha was sentenced to life imprisonment in both the first trial and the appeal. ⓒYonhap News
In Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, Seo Dong-ha, who stalked and killed his ex-girlfriend, was sentenced to life imprisonment in both the first trial and the appeal.
On the 21st, the Daegu High Court’s Criminal Division 2 (Chief Judge Wang Hae-jin) dismissed both the prosecutor’s and the defendant’s appeals and upheld the life sentence for Mr. Seo, who was on trial for revenge murder and other charges. He was also ordered to wear an electronic tracking anklet for 10 years and attend 40 hours of stalking treatment programs.
Previously, in November of last year, Mr. Seo visited the apartment in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, where his ex-girlfriend, Ms. A, lived and stabbed her 55 times with a weapon, resulting in her death. He is also accused of attempting to kill Ms. A’s mother, Ms. B, who was present at the scene, but only managed to inflict serious injuries.
After being informed by Ms. A that their relationship was over, Mr. Seo trespassed into her residence multiple times, vandalized property such as the door lock pad and the doorbell lens, and engaged in stalking activities.
When Ms. A reported Mr. Seo to the authorities, it was revealed that he planned the crime as an act of revenge.
The first trial court sentenced Mr. Seo to life imprisonment, stating, “Given the process of preparing for the crime, there is a high potential for blaming the motive behind the crime,” and “there is a significant need to maintain public safety and order by permanently isolating the defendant from society.”
The appellate court also stated, “Although Mr. Seo deposited a considerable amount of money for the victims, they refused it and wish for severe punishment,” and “this does not constitute new sentencing material significant enough to alter the sentencing conditions.” This was cited as the reason for dismissing the appeal.
Additionally, the court mentioned, “The circumstances argued by the defendant and prosecutor as reasons for appeal were all considered in the original trial.”