Teacher gets sentenced to life after killing student in S. Korea
(MENAFN) A South Korean court has handed a life sentence to a teacher who fatally stabbed an eight-year-old girl, in a case that shocked the nation.
Myeong Jae-wan, 48, killed Kim Hae-neul after luring her into a classroom in Daejeon in February. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty, citing the victim’s family’s request for the harshest punishment. The court, however, ruled that while Myeong poses a high risk of reoffending, execution was not warranted.
Myeong told the court she would reflect on her actions for the rest of her life and explained that her judgment was impaired at the time as she was undergoing mental health treatment. Prosecutors noted she initially showed no remorse, though Myeong submitted dozens of letters expressing regret.
The Daejeon education office said Myeong had previously requested a six-month leave due to depression but returned to work after 20 days, deemed fit by a doctor. She had exhibited violent behavior in the days leading up to the attack, including placing another teacher in a headlock. On the morning of the stabbing, two education officials visited the school to investigate that earlier incident.
Myeong admitted to police that she had purchased a weapon that day, intending to kill herself along with a random child, and lured Kim into the media room before the attack. Kim was reported missing by a bus driver but was later found at school with stab wounds. Myeong also sustained a neck wound, likely self-inflicted, which was treated in hospital.
South Korean authorities have called for stricter safety measures in schools following the incident. In addition to her life sentence, Myeong has been ordered to wear an electronic tracking device for 30 years.
The court said in its verdict: “As an elementary school teacher, the accused was in a position to protect the victim. But she committed this brutal crime in which a child was not safe in the place where they should be most protected.”
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
