SEOUL: A man accused of fatally stabbing a female high school student and injuring another who tried to help her told police he acted without a clear motive, claiming he made the decision while contemplating suicide.
The 24-year-old suspect surnamed Jang was arrested early Tuesday (May 5) on charges of murder and attempted murder, according to the Gwangju Gwangsan Police Station.
During initial questioning, the suspect reportedly said he attacked a passerby he didn't know for no particular reason, suggesting the case may be treated as a random or indiscriminate crime.
Officials said the suspect had been having suicidal thoughts before deciding to carry out the attack. He has not provided further details about the cause of those thoughts or any additional motive.
The incident occurred earlier that day at around 12.11am on a pedestrian path near Nambu University in Gwangsan-gu. The victim, 17, was stabbed while she was walking home alone. She was taken to a hospital but later declared dead.
A male high school student was also attacked when he approached the scene to help the victim after he heard her scream. Officials said the injury he sustained was not life-threatening.
Authorities believe the suspect parked his car nearby and searched for a target before spotting the victim. After the attack, he allegedly fled, switching between a private vehicle and a taxi to avoid being caught.
He was arrested about 11 hours later, at around 11.24am, on a street near his residence close to the crime scene.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive, including through criminal profiling and a forensic analysis of his mobile phone. Police plan to seek a formal arrest warrant later in the day. - The Korea Herald/ANN
***Those contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935/ 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999/ 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s family, social and community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); or Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929/email sam@befrienders.org.my/visit www.befrienders.org.my/centre- in-malaysia).
