Trial over 'Itaewon murder' begins
The mother of Cho Choong-pil, the victim of the “Itaewon murder,” calls for punishment of the suspect, Arthur Patterson, after preparatory proceedings in the case at the Seoul Central District Court, Thursday. / Korea Times
By Lee Kyung-min
The defense lawyer representing Arthur John Patterson, who is the key suspect in the “Itaewon murder” trial, declared that his client was innocent at the first hearing held at Seoul Central District Court.
The trial began 18 years after the incident occurred, and about two weeks Patterson 's extradition from the United States to Korea.
At the preparatory proceedings, Patterson appeared in courtroom 417, wearing a white prison uniform, looking tired yet calm. It is customary for an arrested suspect to appear at proceedings where the prosecution and lawyers establish the issues to be dealt with at future hearings.
Patterson only answered questions in short statements. When asked by the presiding judge Shim Gyu-hong whether he could understand the proceedings in Korean, he said, “Very little.”
He was indicted for stabbing a Korean college student, Cho Choong-pil, 22, to death in the restroom of a Burger King restaurant on April 3, 1997. The same year, the prosecution indicted Edward Lee, Patterson’s friend who was also at the crime scene, for murdering Cho, and Patterson for possessing the weapon. But the Supreme Court acquitted Lee in 1998, citing a lack of evidence.
The court said the main issue in the trial is to determine whether or not Patterson killed Cho, as claimed by the prosecution.
The prosecution said it will submit forensic evidence to support their claim that Patterson, smaller than the victim, could attack Cho.
Patterson’s defense lawyer, Oh Byoung-joo, declared Patterson’s innocence, saying Lee was the real killer. “Patterson said Lee always wanted to show off, and tried to portray himself as a tough guy. Lee also used marijuana.”
Two additional issues will be discussed _ double jeopardy and the 15 years of statute of limitation on murder cases.
The prosecution claimed it is not double jeopardy because Patterson was charged with possession of weapon at that time and with murder this time. Prosecutors also claimed the statute of limitation on Patterson was suspended because he left for the U.S. with the intention to avoid criminal punishment here, while Oh claimed it was expired because he did not flee with such an intention.
Patterson left Korea in 1999 after prosecutors failed to renew a travel ban on him.
The presiding judge might allow citizens’ participation for jury trial if Patterson wants.
Patterson declined to make any comment even when the judge allowed him to do so, saying he will speak when needed during future hearings.
At the proceedings, Lee’s father attended as a spectator. He said that Lee is now in Korea and is willing to stand as a witness. “Patterson will absolutely be found guilty,” he told reporters. “Even if my son is summoned as a witness, there is nothing to be changed because all the records indicate that Patterson is the real killer.”
The victim’s parents also came. The mother said she barely slept the night before. “My only hope is that the real killer will be punished,” she said.