Too much Red Bull responsible for insanity of murderer: judge

By 황장진

Published : June 10, 2011 - 09:38

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A man who killed his father with a sofa cushion is to be released, as the judge agreed with his claim of insanity.

Stephen Coffeen of Florida allegedly murdered his 83-year-old father after drinking several cans of Red Bull, a popular energy drink.

He maintained that he was not getting enough sleep and suffered from temporary insanity.

“The defendant is found not guilty by reason if insanity due to mental illness,” Judge Nancy Moate Ley told reports.

Red Bull

However, his brother, Thomas Coffeen said the decision was “not justice,” and demanded a murder trial. According to him, Stephen was jealous of his success, and that provoked the killing. He added that Stephen may come after his family once released.

Meanwhile, the accused is to be sent to a hospital for mental treatment, and may be released within six months.

“I have determined that I have no choice, because it is also my duty to follow the law,” the judge said to reports.

By Kang Yoon-seung
(koreacolin@gmail.com)
Intern reporter
Edited by Rob York

<한글요약>

레드불 과다 섭취 후 아버지 살해, 무혐의 판결

미국의 한 남성이 아버지를 살해하고도 무죄 판결을 받아 화제가 되고 있다.

문제의 남성은 플로리다州에 거주하는 Stephen Coffeen씨로, 자신이 에너지 드링크인 “Red Bull”을 너무 많이 마셔서 제정신이 아니었다고 주장한 것으로 나타났다.

판사는 이 남성의 주장을 받아드려 징역형을 내리는 대신 정신병원에 입원하여 치료받으라는 판결을 내렸다. 치료를 받고 정상으로 돌아온다면 6개월 안에 자유의 몸이 될 수도 있는 것이다.

하지만 피고의 친형은 “이것은 정의가 아니다”라며 강하게 반발하였다. Stephen은 항상 자신의 성공을 시기해 왔으며, 그 때문에 아버지를 살해하기에 이르렀다는 것이다. 또한 석방 될 경우 자신의 가족을 위협할 수도 있다고 주장했다.

담당 판사는 “나의 의무는 법을 따르는 것이다. 따라서 다른 선택의 여지가 없다”고 판결 이유를 밝혔다.

Too much Red Bull responsible for insanity of murderer: judge

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