Chae Kyong An, a man from Washington state, was sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for brutally attacking his estranged wife, Young An, in 2002. He beat, stabbed, and buried her alive despite her pleas for mercy. Young An managed to call 911 with her Apple Watch before being placed in a shallow grave by Chae in the woods, where she had to dig herself out after 12 hours of struggle. She recounted begging Chae to think of their children during the attack, stating that she lives in fear even now.
During Chae’s sentencing hearing, Young An and the prosecution requested that he receive a sentence on the higher end of the range due to the severity of the crime. Chae’s defense attorney detailed his struggles with mental illness and PTSD, stating that these issues contributed to his actions on the day of the attack. Chae, who was homeless and isolated at the time, expressed regret and remorse for his actions during the hearing, wishing he could go back and avoid the incident. The judge gave Chae a nearly maximum sentence and ordered him to have no contact with Young An.
The judge described the crime as horrific, acknowledging the severity of preventing someone from calling for help, assaulting, restraining, and burying them alive. The sentencing was aimed at holding Chae accountable for his actions and providing some closure for the victim. The judge expressed hope that the sentence would allow the victim to move forward and focus on her emotional and mental healing for herself and her children. Young An spoke about the impact of the attack on her life, stating that she continues to suffer from emotional trauma and health issues as a result.
Chae’s defense attorney mentioned that his client was overmedicated and undertreated for PTSD at the time of the attack, highlighting the role that mental illness played in the incident. Chae expressed remorse for his actions in court, stating that he wishes he could undo what happened that day. Despite the defense’s arguments, the judge decided to give Chae a lengthy prison sentence as a form of justice for the victim and to acknowledge his responsibility for the crime. The judge commended the victim for her strength and bravery throughout the ordeal, expressing hope that the sentencing would mark the closing of a traumatic chapter in her life.
In conclusion, Chae Kyong An was sentenced to over 13 years in prison for the brutal attack on his wife, Young An, in 2002. The victim recounted her harrowing experience during the sentencing hearing, highlighting the ongoing impact of the incident on her and her children. The defense cited mental health issues as a contributing factor in Chae’s actions, while expressing regret and remorse for the attack. The judge handed down a nearly maximum sentence and issued a no-contact order between Chae and Young An, aiming to provide justice for the victim and facilitate her healing process.
