Jung Jae-hwan, accused of killing his friend while drunk, denies intentional murder in court

Jeong Jae-hwan (24), who was indicted on charges of murdering his friend by stabbing him dozens of times with a weapon while drunk, admitted to the crime in court but denied intentional murder, saying he did not remember the circumstances at the time.

On the 11th, Daegu District Court Criminal Division 12 (Chief Judge Jeong Han-geun) held a second trial for Jeong Jae-hwan (24), who was indicted on charges including murder.

Regarding the charges of murder, injury, and theft, Jeong Jae-hwan's lawyer acknowledged that the defendant committed the act itself, but stated that there was no intention to commit murder at the time of the crime.

Jeong Jae-hwan's lawyer said, "It's not that the defendant didn't kill the deceased, but he was drunk and doesn't remember the situation at all."

When asked by the court whether he had the same opinion as the defense attorney, Jeong Jae-hwan briefly answered, "Yes."

The court pointed out, "In principle, it cannot be said that there was no awareness or intention of the crime just because there was no memory," and "In the case of the defendant, he also took actions such as taking pictures after committing the crime, so we will judge by examining all the normalities of the crime."

The victim's lawyer argued that a mental evaluation was not necessary and that the defendant's mental and physical weakness should not be acknowledged.

The victim's lawyer said, "The defendant applied for a mental evaluation, claiming to be intoxicated, in order to receive a reduced sentence. Even while intoxicated, it must be seen that he knew that he was harming others."

The court said, "It is very important to confirm the defendant's psychological state," and "Regardless of whether or not he is recognized as mentally weak, it is necessary to confirm the defendant's condition through an evaluation, so we will review the records and determine whether an additional mental evaluation is necessary."

The court decided not to accept the sentencing witness requested by the defendant. The court informed that a petition could be submitted instead.

Many bereaved family members and friends of the victim attended the court that day.

During the trial, audience members sobbed or even shed tears.

The victim's father said, "My son was a very ordinary student. I raised him in my arms except for the time he spent in the military," and added, "He died worse than an animal that got killed on the streets."

He then appealed, saying, “I couldn’t even hold his hand once because my son died so cruelly,” and added, “If I committed a crime, I should be punished.”

The court decided to proceed with the next trial on October 2nd as a preparation date.

Jeong Jae-hwan was put on trial on charges of murdering his friend by stabbing him dozens of times with a weapon for unknown reasons while he was drinking with his friends, including the victim, at his home in Hayang-eup, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, at around 3:40 a.m. on July 4.

He was indicted on charges of assaulting (injury) another friend who was with him that day.

The investigative agency also charged Jae-hwan Jeong with stealing two cans of banana milk (worth 3,600 won) from a nearby convenience store after committing the crime.