Supreme Court confirms life sentence for Busan psychopathic killer

Jung Yoo-jung, who murdered a female freelance tutor, is escorted out of the Dongnae Police Station in Busan by detectives, June 2. Yonhap

The Supreme Court on Thursday finalized a life sentence for a psychopathic woman who stunned the nation by killing a stranger just out of curiosity about murder last year.

Jung Yoo-jung, 24, was indicted on charges of killing a female freelance tutor, with whom she had no personal connection, in May last year. She was caught after a taxi driver reported her to police upon finding her suspicious for throwing away a suitcase with blood stains in the riverside near her residence.

Prosecutors demanded the death penalty for Jung, but the district and appeals court handed her life imprisonment instead, saying it should only be imposed in exceptional circumstances for it deprives one of life.

Jung appealed the decision to the top court, claiming the punishment was too heavy.

However, the Supreme Court dismissed her appeal, saying the sentencing is not deemed “greatly wrongful” given the comprehensive review of her age, character, environment and motive for her crime. (Yonhap)