A man from Lacey, Washington, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree attempted murder. His wife said during the sentencing that he tried to take her life after a dispute over divorce and finances in October 2022.
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The incident started in their home, where Chae An physically assaulted her and then bound her with duct tape covering the victim’s eyes, hands, thighs, and ankles. Before she was buried alive, the woman managed to dial 9-1-1 using her Apple Watch before An destroyed the device shortly after discovering it. He transported her to a secluded wooded area where he continued to torture her and attempted to bury her in a makeshift grave, expecting her to die from her injuries. However, she miraculously managed to free herself and escape from the burial site after An left the scene. An’s wife ran to a nearby house where she sought help, leading to her rescue and the arrest of An. Evidence found at the burial site, such as the duct tape and strands of her, is consistent with her testimony.
During the hearing, An’s attorney claimed that his client struggled with PTSD, stating that his actions were influenced by being overmedicated and undertreated, as reported by TOO FAB. He apologized to the court and expressed regret over his actions before apologizing to his family for the pain he caused. A judge condemned An’s actions and acknowledged the victim’s bravery and strength, expressing that the sentencing would possibly help her and her children focus on healing from the terrifying experience.
“I am hopeful that today’s hearing will be the close of this chapter, and will make it possible to focus on your emotional and mental healing for yourself and your children.”
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The victim also released an impact statement and said:
“Nobody can take away my life, my precious life, I came out alive. After that day, I and my children’s life was crushed. I have to live my life with emotional trauma and health issues for the rest of my life.”