30 years sought for man who killed wife, hid body in car trunk

Suwon District Court building in Yeongtong District, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province / Korea Times photo by Choi Joo-yeon

Prosecutors have requested a 30-year prison sentence for a man in his 40s who killed his wife during an argument and hid her body in the trunk of his car for over two months.

During the final hearing held on May 8 at the Suwon District Court’s Criminal Division, the prosecution argued that the defendant, identified only by the initial A, showed poor conduct after the murder by trying to shift the blame onto the victim. “Despite the seriousness of the crime, he attempted to deflect responsibility,” a prosecutor told the court.

A admitted to the crime but gave no clear motive during questioning, responding only, “I’m not sure.” He had also failed to provide a consistent explanation during earlier stages of the investigation.

A’s lawyer claimed the incident was triggered by financial stress after he was scammed in a voice phishing scheme, while A himself said he had been suffering from depression and was not in a sound mental state at the time.

In his final statement, he said, “I’m sorry to my children and my wife. I deserve divine punishment,” and broke down in tears.

A killed his wife, also in her 40s, by striking her with a blunt object in their home in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, on Nov. 26, 2024. He then wrapped her body in a blanket and hid it in the trunk of his car, which he parked in a nearby lot.

The crime came to light after one of her acquaintances filed a missing person report, saying they had been unable to reach her.

After failing to detect signs of life for an extended period, police began a serious criminal investigation and arrested A on Feb. 19. He later led authorities to his vehicle, where the body was discovered. A’s sentencing is scheduled for June 12.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.