SEOUL – South Korean prosecutors demanded today that an adoptive mother, who is blamed for the death of a 16-month-old baby, stand trial on a murder charge, Yonhap news agency reported.
On the first day of the high-profile case at the Seoul southern district court, prosecutors added a murder charge against the mother, surnamed Jang, who was previously indicted on other charges, including child abuse resulting in death.
The adoptive father was charged with child abuse and neglect.
Prosecutors, however, re-evaluated the cause of the toddler’s death with forensic experts, after suspicions arose that Jang might have had an intention to kill the baby, or at least might have been aware that the girl could die from the suspected beatings and abusive behaviours.
If convicted, the woman is subject to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment or heavier.
At the trial, Jang’s lawyer denied the accusation that his client intentionally harmed the baby, but acknowledged that there were times when she acted violently against the child, such as “dropping”, “pushing” and “shaking” her, which resulted in bone fractures.
“There might be a causal relation between the faults and death, but it is not true that the defendant used force on purpose to cause the victim to die.”
The toddler, named Jung-in, was adopted in February last year and died in October the same year of severe abdominal injuries and internal bleeding caused by “strong external force”.
The adoptive mother insisted the baby sustained the injuries because she accidentally dropped the latter.
An investigative report aired earlier this month has become a catalyst for a renewed focus on Jang’s case, and how no one proactively intervened to prevent the tragedy, despite a series of glaring warning signs.
The nation’s police chief apologised last week over the agency’s botched initial response and inadequate investigation, even though it received three reports about suspected abuse in the span of five months.
The case has unleashed nationwide grief and anger over child abuse, with hundreds of people sending petitions to the court to demand justice for the girl. The trial was aired live in two additional rooms, as more people wanted to attend the trial than the courtroom’s gallery could house.
Outside the court, protesters were seen holding signs demanding the death penalty for Jang, next to a row of funeral wreaths made of white and yellow flowers to mourn the tragic loss of the child.
One message said, “Sorry to notice too late, love you”. – Bernama, January 13, 2021
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