A 26-year-old man, Jo Jae-bok, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for killing his mother-in-law and disposing of her body in a suitcase. The prosecution requested the life sentence during the final hearing at the Daegu District Court on September 17, where Jo was charged with homicide and other offenses.
The prosecution described the case as a gruesome crime that violated human ethics, occurring in the heart of a major city. They noted that both Jo and his wife have developmental disabilities and sought to consider this in their assessment. However, they emphasized the brutality of the crime, highlighting that the assault was prolonged and that Jo continued to attack the victim despite her pleas for mercy. They argued that Jo's history of violent behavior indicated a need for permanent isolation from society.
In his closing statement, Jo's attorney argued that his client, due to his developmental disability and lower IQ, could not fully comprehend the situation and should not be seen as lacking remorse. The attorney also contested the prosecution's claim that Jo had confined his wife, stating that they had shared outings together.
During his final remarks, Jo expressed remorse, saying, “I sincerely apologize to my mother-in-law and my wife. I promise not to do this again. If given leniency, I will not commit such acts.”
Earlier this year, in March, Jo assaulted his 54-year-old mother-in-law, identified as A, in an officetel in Daegu, leading to her death. He then concealed her body in a suitcase and disposed of it by the riverside in Buk-gu.
Jo's wife, Choi (26), testified in July, detailing the violence she endured since their marriage. She recounted that the abuse escalated after they moved to Daegu, with Jo attacking her over trivial matters and threatening her life if she did not bring home money. On the day of the incident, she described how her mother was beaten to the point of being unable to walk or speak properly. Choi expressed her fear of reporting the abuse, worried that Jo would retaliate if they went to the hospital.
Choi stated, “I hope he receives a life sentence, and I want to divorce him as soon as possible.” Jo is also facing charges for other acts of violence against his wife and mother-in-law.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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