[26.02.06] Father Sentenced to Life for Killing Son with Homemade Gun on His Birthday

Father Who Killed Son with Homemade Gun on His Birthday Sentenced to Life in Prison

📍Planned Crime in Songdo Apartment; Court Orders 20 Years of Electronic Monitoring

A man in his 60s who killed his son with a homemade gun after the son prepared a birthday dinner for him was sentenced to life imprisonment in the first trial. The court ruled that the crime was meticulously planned and involved clear intent to kill additional family members.

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🔹 “Life Is an Absolute Value”: Court Hands Down Life Sentence
The Incheon District Court’s Criminal Division 13, presided over by Judge Kim Ki-pung, sentenced the defendant, identified as A (63), to life imprisonment on charges including murder, attempted murder, and violation of the Act on the Safety Control of Firearms, Swords, and Explosives.

The court also ordered him to wear an electronic ankle monitor for 20 years. 

“The value of human life is absolute and cannot be replaced by anything,” the court stated. “Murder is a grave crime that violates this fundamental principle.”

🔹 Attempted Murder Charges Also Recognized
The court found A guilty of all attempted murder charges, which he had denied.
“After killing his son, the defendant approached other family members with a reloaded gun and attempted to force open doors while making threatening remarks,” the court said, concluding that there was a clear intent to kill.

🔹 Birthday Celebration Turns into Tragedy
A was indicted for killing his 33-year-old son on July 20 last year at around 9:30 p.m. by firing two shotgun rounds from a homemade firearm inside an apartment in Songdo, Incheon.

At the time, the victim’s wife, two children, and a family acquaintance were also present in the home.

Investigators revealed that A fired a second shot even after his wounded son pleaded for his life.

🔹 Crime Planned for a Year Using Online Tutorials
Authorities confirmed that A had learned how to make homemade guns and ignition devices through YouTube about a year before the crime. He also modified old ammunition to increase lethality.

At his residence in Dobong-gu, Seoul, police discovered 15 containers of flammable liquids and a timer-based ignition device set to ignite the day after the murder.

🔹 Prosecutors Sought Death Penalty
Prosecutors previously sought the death penalty, stating that the defendant intended to kill not only his son but also other family members.

Investigators said A, who had divorced following a sex crime conviction in 2015, had relied financially on his ex-wife and son. After the support stopped, he fell into financial distress and paranoia, ultimately deciding on extreme retaliation.

One-line summary : A man in his 60s who killed his son with a homemade gun during a birthday celebration was sentenced to life imprisonment for a meticulously planned crime.