A group of individuals who attempted to kidnap and murder the gaming YouTuber 'Rooster,' who has one million subscribers, received significantly reduced sentences in an appeals court.
The Incheon branch of the Seoul High Court, led by Judge Jeong Seung-kyu, overturned the original sentences on October 27 for A (26), a used car dealer, and his accomplice B (24), who were charged with attempted murder and robbery. The court sentenced A to 15 years in prison and B to 12 years, reducing their initial sentences of 30 years and 25 years, respectively.
Additionally, C (37), who was charged with aiding and abetting the robbery by providing the tools used in the crime, had his original five-year sentence overturned and was sentenced to two years in prison.
The appeals court stated, "The defendants' actions were very serious when considering their motives, methods, and the extent of the victim's injuries," adding that the victim had not forgiven them and was seeking severe punishment.
However, the court noted, "The defendants' actions do not appear to stem from a definitive intent to kill the victim," and emphasized that no life-threatening outcomes actually occurred.
Furthermore, the court explained that when determining sentences, it is important to consider not only the nature of the crime but also the degree of intent and the results of the actions, stating that the original sentences were somewhat excessive given the severity of the crimes committed.
The court also took into account that the defendants were first-time offenders with no prior criminal records beyond minor fines, and that assessments indicated a low to moderate risk of reoffending.
A and B lured YouTuber 'Rooster' to a parking lot in an apartment complex in Incheon on October 26 last year at around 10:40 p.m. They are accused of striking him with a blunt object multiple times, injuring him, and then attempting to kidnap him with the intent to kill.
They transported the victim approximately 200 kilometers to a parking lot at a cemetery in Geumsan County, South Chungcheong Province, but were arrested at the scene by police who had been alerted and were tracking them. The victim sustained serious injuries to his face.
Investigations revealed that A had initially taken a deposit of 200 million won from Rooster under the pretense of helping him acquire a used car, then disappeared. When Rooster threatened legal action, A lured him to the underground parking lot in Songdo, Incheon, promising to return the money in cash.
At that time, A attempted to lure Rooster into checking a bag of money in the car, but sensing something was wrong, Rooster called the police. A and his accomplice B then assaulted him indiscriminately with a baseball bat before attempting to kidnap him.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.