Niamh Shackleton
A man who tried to bury his estranged wife alive has received his sentencing.
In 2022, Young Sook An was attacked by her husband, Chae Kyong An, who then abducted her from her home in a suburb of Washington, US.
Chae Kyong proceeded to try and bury Young Sook alive but, by means of a miracle, she was able to break free from her restraints.
Upon nightfall, she climbed out of the grave her husband dug for her and ran for help.
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In the early hours of October 17, Young Sook knocked on a stranger's door and asked them to call the police.
The property was located approximately eight miles away from where she'd been buried.
Before being put into the ground, Young Sook was able to alert her daughter and friend to her whereabouts, as well as call emergency services using her Apple Watch.
54-year-old Chae Kyong was later charged with attempted murder in the first degree-domestic violence, kidnapping in the first degree-domestic violence, assault in the first degree-domestic violence, and felony harassment-threat to kill-domestic violence.
On Monday (April 26), Chae Kyong received his sentencing and will face more than 13 years behind bars, Fox 13 reports.
He will serve 165 months (13 years and nine months) for his crimes, followed by three years of community custody.
Chae Kyong had pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree attempted murder, domestic violence, leading to a plea deal between the 54-year-old and the court.
"On October 16, 2022, in the County of Thurston, Washington, with the intent to cause the death of my wife Young Sook An, I took a substantial step towards the commission of the offense when I kidnapped her from our home, took her to the woods, assaulted her and placed her bound in a hole and covered her with branches," Chae Kyong said, as per court records.
He then added: "I wish that I could go back and never enter that house that day and walk away. I'm so sorry, I'm sorry everyone, and for causing terrible pain because of my foolish act."
He also addressed his children, saying: "I love you guys with all my heart, you mean everything to me, you two are my most precious gift from the heavens."
Prior to entering a plea deal last month, Chae Kyong's defense attorney has asked for his bail to be set at $150,000 - but Young Sook pleaded that her estranged husband couldn't be released.
"Please no bail," she said. "I am really afraid for my life. I just want to emphasize that I fear him so much and he will kill me again if he is out."
As to what sparked Chae Kyong's almost-fatal rampage, apparently he and Young Sook had been arguing about their divorce.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence 24 hours a day to the national domestic violence helpline on 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 24/7. You can find a list of local resources here.