The news of that day has passed, but its meaning remains with us today. "Today's That Day" reads the present through records of the past.
"I held a grudge against my husband who verbally abused and disregarded me."
On May 7, 2020, six years ago, a wife who murdered her husband after a lottery jackpot win escalated into marital conflict was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
The wife, identified as A (then 51), and her husband B (then 57) had struggled to make a living for nearly 20 years running a street stall in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province. In the 19th year of their marriage, a lottery ticket purchased by B won first prize, bringing in approximately 780 million won ($570,000) in prize money, an event that would change the couple's lives.
Contrary to expectations, however, conflict deepened after the win. Unlike in the past when A had been the breadwinner, B became fixated on money following the jackpot, and his verbal abuse and disregard toward A grew more frequent. Financial comfort instead became a factor that worsened the couple's relationship.
"Please Spare Me"... A Tragedy Unfolded in Rage
The incident occurred in December 2019 following a domestic argument. The fuse was lit when B purchased land in Changnyeong County, South Gyeongsang Province, by taking out a loan without consulting A. As the dispute intensified, B threatened A with a blunt object, which A seized and used to strike back.
The problem was what happened next. Even after gaining the upper hand, A did not stop the attack and struck the fallen B's head multiple times. B pleaded, "Please spare me," but the assault continued.
Investigators found that even as 119 paramedics who responded to the report attempted emergency treatment, A failed to calm down and continued threatening behavior. B was transferred to a hospital but ultimately died, and A was indicted on murder charges.
"Self-Defense Difficult to Recognize"... Court Confirms 12-Year Prison Term
In court, A stated, "After my husband won the lottery jackpot, he became obsessed with money and verbally abused and disregarded me, which made me hold a grudge." A claimed self-defense, arguing that "it happened while defending against B's attack," but the court determined that A would have sufficiently anticipated the possibility of her husband's death, ruling it a murder committed with willful negligence.
The court noted that A continued the attack even though she could have sufficiently subdued the situation after seizing the blunt object. In particular, the court found that willful negligence was established, citing that A intensively struck the victim's head area even after he had lost consciousness, recognizing the possibility of death yet continuing the crime.
The first trial sentenced A to 12 years in prison, and the appellate court upheld the original ruling, stating that "the act of killing a spouse is a serious crime that fundamentally undermines the legal and moral responsibilities based on the marital relationship." The Supreme Court subsequently dismissed the appeal, finalizing the sentence.
