▲ Jang Yoon-gi, the suspect in the high school girl murder case, being transferred to the prosecution.
Jang Yoon-gi (23), accused of murdering a high school girl, deferred his statement regarding the motive for the murder—specifically whether it was intended for rape—during his first trial held at the Gwangju District Court today (June 22).
Today, the 13th Criminal Division of the Gwangju District Court (Presiding Judge Lee Jung-ho) held the first trial for Jang, who was arrested and indicted on charges including rape and murder under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes.
Jang's court-appointed defense attorney stated in court, "We acknowledge all the facts of the indictment, but we need to consult with the defendant regarding whether the motive for the murder was rape. We will provide our final opinion at the next hearing."
When asked by the presiding judge if he agreed with his attorney's statement, Jang replied, "Yes, that is correct."
When asked if he wanted a jury trial, he answered, "No."
Wearing a light tan short-sleeved prison uniform, Jang appeared somewhat more gaunt than when he stood before the police photo line.
The Gwangju District Court's main criminal courtroom, packed with reporters and observers, fell into a heavy silence as the prosecution read the summary of the indictment, which described the brutal details of the crime.
Sighs erupted when the victim's legal representative revealed that Jang had written in a handwritten statement submitted to the court that he intended to "obtain certifications during his prison life."
The legal representative for the victim, Lee Chae-won (16), criticized Jang, stating, "Looking at the handwritten statement the defendant submitted to the court, he is denying the intent of rape. The victim's time stopped forever at 16, yet he is planning his own future."
The representative further requested the court, "Even looking at the facts stated in the indictment, the crime was planned. Please consider this as a reason for an aggravated sentence."
The court plans to hold three to four additional hearings to continue with evidence examination and witness questioning.
The next trial is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on July 13.
Civic groups, including the Gwangju-Jeonnam Women's Association, held a press conference in front of the main gate of the Gwangju District Court today, urging the court to impose the maximum legal penalty on Jang.
Lee's mother, who attended the press conference, pleaded, "Please impose the heaviest punishment allowed by law, or even create a new law to do so. I believe that is the minimum justice for my daughter, who had her life cut short so unfairly."
Jang was indicted on charges of attempting to kidnap the victim for the purpose of sexual assault on a secluded pedestrian path in Wolgye-dong, Gwangju, at 12:10 a.m. on May 5, and stabbing her to death when the attempt failed.
He is also charged with wielding a weapon against a high school sophomore (17) who tried to help the victim at the scene, as well as stalking and sexually assaulting a female colleague (26, Vietnamese national) from his part-time job.
The indictment also includes charges of secretly filming the bodies of middle school girls, including their thighs, on seven occasions between June and July of last year while he was serving as a social service agent at a local children's center.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.