Prosecution Seeks 20-Year Prison Sentence for Woman in Her 20s Who Killed Grandfather in His 80s with Weapon

Defense Attorney: "No Intent to Kill... Will Repent for Life"

The prosecution has demanded a heavy sentence for a woman in her 20s who, as a university student, killed her paternal grandfather in his 80s with a weapon.

A view of the Seoul Northern District Court in Dobong-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hosoo Park

On September 15, during the closing arguments for a parricide case held before the Criminal Division 11 of the Seoul Northern District Court (Presiding Judge Choi Kyungseo), the prosecution requested the court to sentence Noh (age 24) to 20 years in prison.

Previously, the court conducted a closed-door witness examination of two individuals, both the defendant and family members of the victim, during the last session. On this day, after concluding the evidentiary review of the autopsy report, the defendant's examination took place.

During questioning, the prosecution confirmed that Noh lived in Ulsan from the ages of 11 to 17 with her father, younger brother, grandmother, and the victim. After enrolling in university and residing in a dormitory, she began living again with the grandmother at the victim’s residence in Seoul starting in the winter of 2023. Noh testified that during this time, she frequently witnessed the victim verbally and physically abusing the grandmother. When he disapproved of what the grandmother attempted to do, he would grab her sleeve or push her, sometimes even striking her in the face.

In the closing defense statement, the attorney said, “We pray for the repose of the victim and offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved family for losing a precious loved one. However, we sincerely ask the court to recognize this case not as murder, but rather manslaughter resulting from an impulsive act after a long-standing family conflict and due to the defendant’s unique family environment.”

The attorney continued, “After experiencing her mother’s suicide at a young age, the defendant was raised in her grandparents’ home, exposed to prolonged conflict between her grandparents. After moving back in post-university, she was continually exposed to both verbal and physical abuse from the victim, but still worked to mend the relationship by celebrating his birthday and providing food and money.”

He added, “On the day of the incident, another argument erupted. Amid sustained verbal abuse and threats, the defendant made a momentarily poor decision, intending only to frighten him into stopping his violence as the victim had previously done.”

The attorney also highlighted that Noh aimed for the victim’s shoulder—not a vital area—at the moment of the offense. “In fact, the area targeted was the shoulder, not a vital spot; upon stabbing him, the defendant immediately called emergency services and, following the paramedics’ instructions, performed CPR in a desperate attempt to save the victim,” he stressed.

Furthermore, “The defendant is deeply remorseful, crying every day over the irreparable consequences of her momentary misjudgment, and is determined to live in repentance, never forgetting this incident. The victim’s son—who is also the defendant’s father—and her uncle, understand the tragic context better than anyone and therefore do not wish for her to be punished, and are appealing for leniency,” the attorney added.

In closing, he earnestly requested, “We strongly urge the court to recognize the act as manslaughter by ascendant and grant the defendant the opportunity to contribute to society again if she atones for her wrongdoing.”

Noh also repeatedly apologized, reading from a prepared statement. She said, “I have always been afraid of crime, and the fact that I became someone who committed one—especially against my own grandfather—disgusts and pains me deeply. Every time I imagine how much my grandfather must have suffered after the incident, I am overwhelmed by grief,” she said tearfully.

She continued, “I will do everything in my power to ensure that such a horrible event never happens again. I will serve my sentence with reflection, refrain from letting anger get the better of me, and strive to return to my family as much as possible.”

Noh was indicted on charges of killing her grandfather with a weapon during an argument at an apartment in Dapsimni-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, at around 11:53 a.m. on May 18. The victim was taken to the hospital but ultimately passed away. Noh herself called 112 immediately after the crime and was arrested at the scene.

The sentencing for Noh is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on the 23rd of next month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.