Yonhap News Agency reported Thursday that the Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency is questioning Jang, 24, who was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, about the circumstances and motive.
Jang is believed to have confessed that he targeted random passersby. Investigators said he had been roaming the streets carrying two bladed weapons starting two days before the attack. One was used in the crime, and the other was found still unopened in its packaging, police said.
Police said the first victim was a 17-year-old high school girl who was walking home late at night. Jang allegedly encountered her twice in the Wolgye-dong area before attacking her at 12:11 a.m. on May 5.
A preliminary autopsy finding from the National Forensic Service listed the cause of death as a stab wound to the neck, the report said.
The second victim was a male second-year high school student who approached after hearing a woman scream nearby, police said. He was seriously injured but is not in life-threatening condition.
Investigators said Jang has not made any specific statement about whether he copied a particular incident. Instead, he has repeatedly said he decided to attack because life was not enjoyable, according to reports.
Police said they have requested digital forensic analysis of Jang’s cellphone to determine the motive and plan to conduct a psychopathy assessment.
A court hearing to review a warrant for Jang’s arrest is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday at the Gwangju District Court. Police said they will convene a panel to consider releasing his identity if he is formally detained.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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