Gwangju murder suspect admits sexual motive in court hearing

GWANGJU — The 23-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing a high school girl he had never met in downtown Gwangju admitted in court Monday that he targeted her with the intent to sexually assault her.

Jang Yun-gi acknowledged all charges during his second hearing at the Gwangju District Court, including the prosecution's allegation that he approached 17-year-old Lee Chae-won with the intent to rape her and killed her after she resisted.

"We discussed the case thoroughly with the defendant, and he admits all charges, including the intent to commit rape," Jang's attorney said.

When the presiding judge asked whether he admitted all of the charges, Jang replied, "Yes."

At his first hearing, Jang's defense had said it would state its position on the alleged sexual motive at a later date.

Jang was indicted on charges of murder during the commission of rape and attempted rape under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes. The charge carries a mandatory sentence of either death or life imprisonment.

Prosecutors allege that he fatally stabbed Lee on a sidewalk in Wolgye-dong, Gwangsan District, Gwangju, on May 5 and also stabbed a 17-year-old male high school student who rushed to the scene after hearing her screams.

Jang's admission came after prosecutors secured dashcam footage during a supplementary investigation that allegedly captured the circumstances surrounding the crime. After the first trial, Jang reviewed the footage obtained by prosecutors and submitted a written statement to the court on Friday, acknowledging that the crime had been sexually motivated.

The video, which was presented privately in court, is said to show Jang following Lee for about 15 minutes before opening the rear door of his vehicle, grabbing her from behind by the neck in an apparent attempt to force her into the vehicle and ultimately killing her.

Jang's third hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 27. The court plans to hear testimony from Lee's bereaved family members and people acquainted with Jang.

The court also examined additional evidence submitted by prosecutors, including a National Forensic Service analysis of a damaged sex doll recovered from Jang's residence and video footage from the search of his sport utility vehicle.

Jang's admission is expected to intensify scrutiny over allegations that police mishandled the initial investigation, tampered with evidence and maintained improper ties with his family.

Police have arrested the former leader of the original investigative team and are questioning other investigators as well as Jang's father, a serving police officer.

Investigators have also searched five locations, including the Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency, and placed six officers, including the chief of the Gwangsan Police Station, on administrative leave.

Prosecutors are separately investigating how officers from the Gwangsan Police Precinct allegedly omitted or tampered with evidence supporting the sexual motive, including a life-size sex doll and cable ties recovered from Jang's residence. Earlier this month, the Gwangju District Prosecutors' Office booked the former investigation team leader on suspicion of leaking official secrets and tampering with evidence, before later adding the Gwangsan Police Precinct chief and the head of its criminal investigation division as suspects.

Although Jang had not submitted a letter of remorse after his indictment last month, he filed one on July 7 after allegations of collusion between his father and the police investigation team gained wider attention.

Jang's admission appeared to be "an attempt to reduce his sentence," the lawyer representing Lee's family said.

"As additional evidence has emerged and the investigation has expanded to people around him, this appears to be a typical strategic move to block further developments," the lawyer said.

The lawyer also criticized Jang's letter of remorse.

"He did not acknowledge any sexual motive and instead claimed it was unrelated," the lawyer said. "He wrote that he harmed the victim 'without thinking about the consequences and through irresponsible judgment,' which makes it difficult to view the letter as expressing genuine remorse."

Outside the Gwangju District Court on Monday, a civic group formed to honor Lee called for a comprehensive review of the investigation and a full accounting of the case.

"Media reports continue to reveal allegations of an organized cover-up and an inadequate investigation by the police," the group said during a news conference. "The investigation conducted so far must be comprehensively reviewed, and a thorough, accountable investigation must be carried out to uncover the full truth."

The group also vowed to continue campaigning until "the truth is uncovered and those responsible are held accountable," while calling for the harshest possible punishment for Jang.

BY CHOI KYEONG-HO, HWANG HEE-GYU [[email protected]]