Son who starved father to death and stored body in refrigerator sentenced to 9 years in prison

A man in his 20s who starved his dementia-stricken father to death and stored the body in a refrigerator has had his nine-year prison sentence finalized by the Supreme Court.

Mr. A began slapping his father’s face in January 2022. From February to May, he beat the victim’s chest and strangled him every two days. Starting in March, he neglected the victim by failing to provide adequate food or medicine. Mr. B died from complications of diabetes after suffering burns on his lower body caused by hot water poured three days before his death, which were left untreated. An autopsy by the National Forensic Service confirmed fractures of the ribs and signs of burns on his legs.

Mr. A placed the victim’s body in the refrigerator four days after death to prevent odors and insects. On June 30, 2022, a housing manager discovered the body while attempting to replace the refrigerator. Mr. A was arrested by police on July 7 at the Seosan Rest Area.

Prosecutors determined there was an indefinite intent to kill based on evidence from supplementary investigations, including the cessation of treatment and refusal of welfare benefits. Consequently, they applied the charge of parricide, which carries a heavier sentence than parricide by abuse, and indicted him.

The first trial court sentenced him to nine years in prison, taking into serious account the fact that he cut off food supplies despite knowing the victim could not survive on his own. The appellate court upheld the original sentence, considering Mr. A’s confession of the crime. The nine-year prison term was finalized in May 2023 after Mr. A and the prosecution dropped their appeals or failed to submit appeals.