"Multiple 'thud' sounds and vibrations heard on the day Jeong-in died," testimony from downstairs resident

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Court testimony revealed that on the day Jeong-in, a 16-month-old adopted child, died, there were several loud "thud" sounds and vibrations in the apartment.

Mr. A, a resident living in the apartment below Jeong-in’s adoptive parents, appeared as a witness at the trial of the adoptive parents held on the 3rd at the Seoul Southern District Court Criminal Division 13 (Presiding Judge Lee Sang-joo). He testified, "On the evening of October 13 last year, there were several loud 'thud' sounds and strong vibrations coming from the upstairs."

Mr. A continued, "The sound was dull and loud, similar to dropping a heavy dumbbell at a gym," and explained, "The sound repeated 4 to 5 times and was completely different from the sound of a child running around."

Mr. A went upstairs due to the vibrations and noise and met Ms. Jang, the adoptive mother. He said, "Ms. Jang slightly opened the door, was crying, and apologized," adding, "Her face looked dark, so I asked if something had happened, but she only repeated that she would tell me later."

Mr. A also testified that he had heard loud voices and noises in the past. He said, "Around the Chuseok holiday last year, I heard a woman shouting as if screaming and sounds like objects being thrown," and added, "I thought it might have been a couple’s fight, but I did not hear a man’s voice."

Ms. Jang has been detained and is on trial for repeatedly assaulting and abusing her adopted daughter Jeong-in from June to October last year, and for delivering a strong impact to Jeong-in’s back on October 13, causing her death. She is also charged with emotionally abusing Jeong-in by leaving her alone at home or in the car 15 times from March to October last year, or forcefully pushing the stroller against the elevator wall.

The adoptive father, Mr. Ahn, was also indicted without detention on charges of knowing about Ms. Jang’s abuse but failing to take any action.