Man claims he was ‘over medicated’ when he buried wife alive — leaving her to fight for 12 hours until she dug herself out

Chae Kyong An was sentenced to more than 13 years for the attack.

A Washington state man, Chae Kyong An, blamed his horrifying attack on mental illnesses and being "overmedicated and undertreated" for PTSD before receiving a sentence of more than 13 years on Friday.

Chae brutally assaulted and bound his wife, Young An, in 2022, despite her pleas for mercy. She managed to call 911 with her Apple Watch before Chae buried her alive in a shallow grave in the woods.

During Chae Kyong An's sentencing hearing, Young An recounted her harrowing experience, including begging Chae to stop and think of their children. She mentioned lying in the hole for 12 hours before finding the strength to dig herself out.

Young An was buried for 12 hours before managing to dig herself out.

"I don't need anything. Today, I'm going to kill you," she recalled him saying. Young An expressed ongoing fear for herself and her children, stating, "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."

Both Young An and the prosecution urged the judge to impose a sentence on the higher end of the range, which was part of a plea deal after Chae pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder in March.

Chae's defense attorney highlighted his client's mental illness and PTSD struggles at the time of the attack, emphasizing his regret and remorse.

Young An said she and her children still live with "emotional trauma" from the harrowing ordeal.

Chae addressed the courtroom, expressing his wish to undo his actions. "I wish that I could go back and never enter that house that day and walk away."

A Thurston County Judge handed Chae Kyong An nearly the maximum sentence and imposed a no-contact order with Young An. The judge acknowledged the horrific nature of the crime and emphasized the importance of the sentence in allowing Young An to move forward and focus on her healing journey.

"You are strong and you are brave," the judge told Young An, expressing hope that the hearing would mark the beginning of emotional and mental healing for her and her children.