[Summary] Body of Boy Left in Refrigerator for 2 Years... Discovered Late After Resident Report

'Child Neglect' Discovered During Investigation After Resident Report
Biological Mother Did Not Register Birth of Twin Siblings
Deceased Boy Left in Refrigerator Since Late 2018

Yeosu Police Station, Jeollanam-do / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] A two-month-old baby boy was found dead inside a refrigerator in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, sparking public outrage. According to police investigations, the infant had been left in the refrigerator for over two years and was discovered late after a neighbor suspected child abuse and reported it.

On the 30th, the Yeosu Police Station reported that on the 27th, a two-month-old baby boy was found dead inside a refrigerator in an apartment in Yeosu City. The police have arrested the child's mother, Ms. A (43), on charges including child abuse and have begun an investigation.

This case came to light after a neighbor in the apartment suspected child abuse and filed a report. According to Yeosu City and the police, a local community office in Yeosu recently received a report from a resident alleging child neglect.

The resident reported that "the child was unable to eat, so I have been feeding him at my home."

The resident had noticed that Ms. A's eldest son, B (7), was wandering alone late every day and was eating instant cup noodles from a convenience store, which raised suspicions. Later, when B revealed that he had a twin sibling, the resident found this suspicious and reported it to the community office.

Child Abuse and Assault of Boys / Photo by Yonhap News

The first report was made on the 6th. Four days later, on the 10th, a community office worker visited B's home. At that time, the house was reportedly filled with trash.

On the 11th, another report of child neglect was received, prompting the Child Protection Agency to investigate. The agency found B and his younger sister, C (2), at Ms. A's home and sent them to a shelter for abused children, separating them from their mother.

During an investigation of the siblings at the shelter on the 27th, C testified that there was a twin sibling.

The police conducted an emergency search of Ms. A's residence that day and discovered the body of a baby boy inside the refrigerator.

Police investigations revealed that Ms. A had placed the two-month-old boy, who died at the end of 2018, in the refrigerator and left him there. According to Yeosu City, Ms. A gave birth to the child while unmarried, registered only the eldest child, and did not register the twin siblings, including B.

Ms. A reportedly left for work at 6 p.m., leaving the children alone until around 2 to 3 a.m. the next day.

The police have requested an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death of the deceased infant and plan to investigate the detailed circumstances of the case.