[Herald DB]
[Herald DB]

A man in his 80s accused of killing his neighbor without any apparent motive denied the charges against him in court.

The 84-year-old, identified only as A, was detained and indicted on charges of murder. His first trial was held Thursday at the first criminal division of the Gunsan branch of Jeonju District Court, presided over by Chief Judge Baek Sang-bin.

That day, A's defense denied all the charges against him. "The defendant currently has difficulty communicating, but during our first client interview, when we showed him the indictment, he said, 'That never happened,' so we intend to maintain that position," the lawyer said.

A remained silent when the presiding judge asked, "What case are you on trial for right now?" and only replied, "I've gone completely deaf, so I don't know what you're saying."

A's lawyer then said, "The medical report submitted as evidence states that the defendant was diagnosed with severe dementia last year, and considering the assessment that his dementia symptoms have likely progressed further since then, we intend to request a psychiatric evaluation of the defendant."

The eldest son of B, the victim in his 70s who died as a result of A's attack, also attended the hearing to convey the family's views. He questioned the dementia claim raised by A's side and pleaded for a harsh sentence.

A's next trial is set for Oct. 1.

A was indicted on charges of killing his neighbor, B, by attacking him with a knife and a blunt object in front of a home in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, at 7:20 a.m. on July 31.


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