Another stalking murder: Woman who reported abuse killed by suspect

Another fatal case of intimate-partner violence has emerged, underscoring the limits of law enforcement even as the president has called for a tough crackdown and police have pledged an all-out response.

The Daejeon Metropolitan Police Agency said Sunday that a woman who had previously reported stalking to police was killed by the man she had accused. Officers arrested a man in his 40s, identified only as A, on murder charges and are questioning him.

A is suspected of killing a woman in her 40s, identified as B, at his home in Jung-gu, Daejeon, before fleeing the scene.

B's family called police after discovering her body Saturday around 2 p.m. Officers launched an investigation and arrested A about 17 hours and 40 minutes later, at around 7:40 a.m. Sunday, in Gangneung, Gangwon Province.

B had previously filed a stalking complaint against A with police.

On Oct. 10 last year, B called the emergency line 112, reporting that A had been harassing her through repeated phone calls and text messages.

Police issued emergency protective measures — orders restricting A from approaching or contacting B by phone or text — and provided B with a smart watch to summon help.

About 20 days later, on Nov. 3, B visited the police station and told officers she had reconciled with A and no longer wished to pursue punishment, returning the smart watch at that time.

Police concluded the conduct did not constitute persistent or repeated stalking and decided not to refer the case for prosecution.

On Dec. 27 of the same year, another 112 call came in reporting an argument between A and B. Police responded but found no signs of harm and closed the matter on the scene, determining there were no grounds for criminal charges.

Ten months later, A allegedly killed B. After the crime, he is believed to have switched taxis multiple times and fled through Incheon and other areas before reaching Gangwon Province, where he was apprehended.

A has reportedly refused to make any statement to investigators.

Police plan to investigate the motive and full circumstances of the killing and intend to seek a detention warrant for A.

Police added they are coordinating with relevant agencies to support the victim's bereaved family.