South Korea: 18-year-old arrested over killing of mother, dog

An 18-year-old has been arrested for allegedly killing his mother and the family dog following an argument at their home in Incheon, South Korea.

Incheon Samsan Police Station said the teenager was arrested on suspicion of murdering a direct ascendant — killing of a parent or direct relative — and violating the Animal Protection Act.

The Incheon District Court issued an arrest warrant Sunday, citing concerns that he could flee.

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The suspect did not respond to reporters’ questions as he arrived at court for a hearing on the warrant.

He is accused of stabbing his mother multiple times with a knife at their home in Bupyeong-gu, Incheon, at around 8:30 p.m. Friday, before strangling the family dog to death.

His mother was taken to a hospital for emergency treatment but died shortly afterward. The teenager later reported the crime to authorities. No other family members were home at the time.

Police said the teenager had previously received treatment for mental health issues. He had dropped out of high school and was unemployed at the time of the incident. Police had also been called to the home on a couple of previous occasions following heated arguments between the teenager and his mother, but no charges were filed.

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Investigators believe an argument between the two immediately preceded the killings. Police are continuing to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the case and have requested an autopsy from the National Forensic Service. /dl