Trial of Jang Yoon-ki for High School Student Murder Approaches Conclusion

The trial of Jang Yoon-ki, charged with murdering a high school student for sexual purposes and attacking a male student who tried to intervene, is nearing its conclusion, raising questions about whether the prosecution will seek the maximum penalty.

According to legal sources on the 30th, the 13th Criminal Division of the Gwangju District Court, presided over by Judge Lee Jeong-ho, will hold the fourth hearing for Jang on the 31st, where he faces charges of murder and rape under the Sexual Violence Punishment Act.

During this hearing, the prosecution will conduct a direct examination of the defendant. This process typically occurs in the final stages of a trial, where prosecutors and others question the defendant about the facts of the case.

The prosecution plans to question Jang based on the contents of testimonies from the police and prosecution that he previously disputed. These testimonies reportedly include instances where Jang denied some charges or changed his statements. However, there is a possibility that Jang may exercise his right to remain silent and refuse to answer the prosecution's questions.

Prior to this hearing, the prosecution requested to amend the indictment to include details that Jang had prepared zip ties as a binding tool and left the back door of his vehicle open during the crime.

Depending on the outcome of the examination, the court may proceed to the sentencing phase, where the prosecution will present its recommendations and the defense will make its final arguments. The charges of rape-murder against Jang carry a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment, drawing significant attention to whether the prosecution will seek the maximum sentence.

Jang was arrested and indicted for the murder of a high school student on May 5 in a pedestrian area of Wolgye-dong, Gwangju, with the intent of committing a sexual crime. He is also accused of attacking a male student who rushed to help after hearing the victim's screams. Additionally, he faces charges of raping a Vietnamese woman in her twenties, who was a co-worker, two days before the murder, as well as past incidents of illegal filming.

Meanwhile, the prosecution is also investigating allegations of evidence tampering involving Jang's father, a mid-level police officer, and his uncle, amid concerns of favoritism in the handling of the case.