'Jeongin Incident' 3rd Trial... Will the Psychological Analyst Prove the Foster Mother's Murder Charge?

Yangmo acquaintances and neighboring residents also scheduled to appear as witnesses

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The third trial for the 16-month-old infant who died after being abused by adoptive parents, known as the 'Jeong-in case,' will be held.

The Criminal Division 13 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Chief Judge Lee Sang-joo) will hold the third trial session on the 3rd at 10 a.m. for the adoptive mother Jang, who was arrested and indicted on charges including murder and child abuse resulting in death, and the adoptive father, who was indicted without detention on charges including child abuse and abandonment, and will proceed with witness examination.

At this trial, neighbors of the Jang couple, an acquaintance of Jang who testified that Jang neglected Jeong-in, and a psychological analyst who conducted a lie detector test on Jang will appear as witnesses.

Initially, the prosecution arrested and indicted Jang on charges of child abuse resulting in death, but later added murder charges. The basis for the prosecution's ability to change the main charge against the adoptive mother to murder was the results of the psychological analysis.

Accordingly, it is expected that the psychological analyst will claim intent to murder through testimony about the investigation and analysis circumstances at the time. The testimonies of neighbors and acquaintances are also expected to play a decisive role in proving the continuous abuse of Jeong-in and Jang's intent to kill.

First, the prosecution is judging that the murder charge based on implied intent is recognized, based on the form and degree of external force that caused Jeong-in's death and Jang's integrated psychological analysis results. On the other hand, Jang's side maintains the previous position that Jeong-in died from an accidental fall and emphasizes that there was no intent to kill. Ultimately, the key to establishing the murder charge is proving intent.

Meanwhile, on this day as well, a procession of citizens mourning Jeong-in gathered in front of the Seoul Southern District Court. Signs reading "Arrest the adoptive father" and "Death penalty for the adoptive mother" were displayed in front of the court.

As voices calling for applying murder charges to Jang and Ahn grow louder, the defense is expected to argue that Jang should be charged with involuntary manslaughter. Their position is that even if the charge of child abuse resulting in death is recognized, the murder charge should not be accepted.

However, the adoptive father Ahn showed remorse through a letter of apology submitted to the court last month, stating, "I will accept any punishment willingly and live with a repentant heart, apologizing to the child for the rest of my life."