Analysis of 244 Random-Motive Crimes, Including Knife Attacks, Finds 80% of Perpetrators Had Criminal Records

80.3% of Perpetrators in Random-Motive Crime Analysis Had Prior Records
Emphasis on Cooperation Among Police, Correctional Institutions and Probation Services

A released offender wearing an electronic ankle monitor injured eight people in a knife attack at a large commercial complex in Incheon, putting the system for preventing repeat offenses by high-risk offenders to the test. Research showing that many perpetrators of random-motive crimes have prior criminal records highlights the need to continue risk-based supervision and treatment even after offenders have been punished.

A man in his 50s went on a stabbing rampage at a large commercial complex in Namdong-gu, Incheon, on the afternoon of the 13th, injuring eight visitors. The photo shows the suspect captured on CCTV in the restaurant area on the building’s second floor. Yonhap News.

On October 14, Yonhap News Agency reported that, according to a report titled “Measures to Prevent Random-Motive Crimes and Improve Systems for Managing Perpetrators,” published in December 2024 by the Korea Institute of Criminology and Justice, 196 perpetrators in 244 recent random-motive crime cases had prior criminal records, accounting for 80.3% of the total. The analysis covered 244 cases from 2019 to 2024 that resulted in first-trial rulings and were classified by the researchers as random-motive crimes.

Random-motive crimes are offenses in which there is no connection between the perpetrator and the victim, the motive is unclear, and the manner of the crime is excessive or abnormal. The number of perpetrators with 16 or more prior convictions was also significant, at 53 (21.7%). A total of 107 perpetrators (43.9%) had previously committed a random-motive crime.

The suspect in the random-motive crime in Incheon the previous day, identified as Mr. A, 59, was also found to have committed another offense while wearing an electronic ankle monitor after serving time for attempted murder. He was fined for violating curfew restrictions while wearing the monitor and was reportedly booked by police last month on suspicion of possessing a weapon.

Eight in 10 in the analysis had prior convictions... 43.9% had records of similar crimes

This analysis suggests that preventing repeat offenses requires considering both an individual's history of repeated crime and specific risk factors. In the study, the researchers recommended making the prevention of repeat offenses the focus of post-release supervision and establishing a system in which multiple agencies work together. They said people requiring supervision in the community should first be identified, then assigned different levels of supervision, responsible agencies, and support depending on their risk level.

Police and fire officials respond to a random stabbing at Homeplus Incheon Guwol in Namdong-gu, Incheon, on the 13th. Yonhap News Agency

The proposed approach involves police, correctional institutions, and probation offices assessing risk and sharing relevant information, while connecting individuals with treatment and rehabilitation support from community medical and welfare organizations. The researchers also proposed conducting risk assessments and seeking expert opinions from the investigation stage, and sharing information on high-risk individuals throughout the criminal justice process.

As an international example, the report cited the United Kingdom's Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA), a system for cooperation among multiple public agencies. Police, prisons, and probation agencies share risk and supervision information through an integrated information system, and connect individuals with mental health treatment and housing and employment support as needed. The report also stressed the need to support people facing long-term unemployment and social isolation.

Chronic anger type accounts for 63.1%... Treatment tailored to perpetrators' characteristics needed

Treatment tailored to perpetrators' characteristics and risk factors was also identified as a key priority. The researchers divided the perpetrators in the analysis into three types: chronic anger, mental illness, and dissatisfaction with reality. Of the 244 perpetrators, the chronic anger type was the largest group, with 154 (63.1%), followed by 66 (27.0%) in the mental illness type and 24 in the dissatisfaction-with-reality type. Among perpetrators classified in the mental illness type, 83.3% had received psychiatric treatment. The rates at which substance addiction or abuse, including alcohol, was identified among the chronic anger and dissatisfaction-with-reality types were 63.2% and 62.5%, respectively.

An injured person receives emergency treatment after a random stabbing at Homeplus Incheon Guwol branch in Namdong-gu, Incheon, on the 13th. Yonhap News

The researchers noted that if perpetrators who need treatment are given only a fine on the grounds that their crimes are minor, the factors that led to the offenses may remain unaddressed and the crimes may be repeated. Their recommendation was to provide treatment and supervision alongside one another to address risk factors specific to each type, including mental illness and alcohol or drug problems. In particular, they recommended expanding psychiatric evaluations and connecting offenders with mental illness who have a high need for treatment and a high risk of reoffending to custodial treatment. They added that mental health care infrastructure should be expanded to ensure appropriate treatment in correctional facilities as well.

Three profilers assigned to Incheon case... Investigating motive

Meanwhile, the Namdong Police Station in Incheon decided on October 14 to assign three profilers to question Mr. A, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and other charges. It plans to enlist specialists from other regional police agencies as well as the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency and build rapport with Mr. A while investigating the circumstances behind the attack.

President Lee Jaemyung reviews the response to a knife rampage at a large supermarket earlier that day at the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency on the 13th. The Blue House, Yonhap News.

Mr. A is suspected of attempting to kill eight visitors by stabbing them with a weapon at the see&see building, a large commercial complex in Guwol-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon, at around 1:40 p.m. on October 13. He allegedly attacked visitors he did not know while holding a weapon in each hand, with the weapons secured with tape. Members of the public subdued him by throwing chairs.

One victim, a woman in her 20s, was taken to hospital in cardiac arrest and underwent surgery. Seven other victims, men and women in their 20s to 50s, were also taken to hospital for treatment.

Police plan to apply for a detention warrant after investigating Mr. A's motive and the circumstances of the attack.

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