Second Trial on the 17th at 10 AM... Examination of Witnesses Including Neighbor Residents
Daycare Center Director Testifies "On the Day of Death, Showed a Completely Resigned Appearance"
On the 17th, the day of the second trial of the 'Jeong-in case,' in which a child died due to abuse by adoptive parents, citizens held a protest demanding punishment for the adoptive parents in front of the Seoul Yangcheon District Court in Nam-gu. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Testimonies have emerged that Jeong-in, a 16-month-old infant who died after being abused by adoptive parents, had been subjected to continuous violence and abuse from the early stages of adoption.
The Criminal Division 13 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Chief Judge Shin Hyuk-jae) held the second trial session on the 17th at 10 a.m. for the adoptive mother Jang and adoptive father Ahn, who are charged with violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes (child abuse resulting in death) and other charges.
On this day, A, the director of the daycare center Jeong-in attended, appeared as a witness and testified, "Since March 2020, when Jeong-in first came to the daycare, injuries were found on various parts of her body."
He said, "At the time of admission, Jeong-in was a cheerful and bright child," and "She was growing well for her age without any health issues." He continued, "However, after admission, bruises and scratch marks were continuously found on Jeong-in’s face and arms," and "There were times when she had large bruises on her thighs and abdomen," he testified.
Also, A said that when asked about the cause of the injuries, Jang mostly avoided answering, saying she did not know, and explained that the bruises on the thighs were caused by 'baby massage.' Unlike her biological sister, Jeong-in did not attend the daycare for about two months from the end of July, and when the witness asked why Jeong-in was not coming to the daycare, Jang replied, "Because of the risk of COVID-19 infection."
A explained, "When Jeong-in returned to the daycare after two months, she had changed so much that she was unrecognizable," adding, "She was emaciated like an African famine victim and her legs trembled so severely that she could barely stand." He continued, "Concerned about the child’s health, I took her to the hospital, and the pediatrician reported the abuse," but "Contrary to expectations, Jeong-in was not separated from the family, and instead, the adoptive parents complained to the hospital, saying they had taken her there without informing anyone."
Jeong-in’s condition when she visited the daycare on October 12, 2020, the day before her death, was said to be even more severe. CCTV footage showed Jeong-in so weak that she could not move on her own. Among the lively children running around, Jeong-in was limp in the arms of a teacher.
On the 17th, when the second trial of the 'Jung-in case,' in which the child died due to abuse by adoptive parents, was held, citizens held a protest demanding punishment for the adoptive parents in front of the Southern District Court in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@
A said, "That day, Jeong-in looked as if she had given up on everything," and "She showed no reaction even when given her favorite snacks or toys." He further testified, "Her body was thin, but her belly was unusually swollen, and there was a red bruise on her head," adding, "She could not eat baby food at all and spat it all out."
Investigations revealed that Jeong-in died from abdominal injuries, including pancreatic rupture caused by a wide and strong external force applied to the abdomen, resulting in excessive bleeding.
Meanwhile, around 8 a.m. that day, citizens filled the area in front of the courthouse holding placards demanding severe punishment. About 20 members of the Korea Child Abuse Prevention Association wore blue raincoats and held signs with phrases such as "The couple who killed Jeong-in deserves the death penalty." They also wore yellow patches on their clothes with slogans like "Death penalty for adoptive father" and "Arrest the adoptive father, accomplice in Jeong-in’s murder." Those who could not attend posted photos on social media with captions like "Sorry Jeong-in."
Seemingly aware of the public anger, adoptive father Ahn also arrived early at the court that day. Avoiding citizens gathered near the main gate, Ahn entered the courthouse through the back gate around 9 a.m., protected by four court security officers.
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