Husband A (24) and wife B (22), who were arrested and sent to prosecution on charges of assaulting and killing their two-week-old son. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Jumi Lee] A couple who caused the death of their two-week-old son through abuse reportedly neglected their son who was having seizures immediately after the assault and even had a meal with acquaintances.
On the 14th, during the preparatory hearing at Jeonju District Court Criminal Division 11 (Presiding Judge Dongwon Kang) for the biological father A (24, male) and biological mother B (22, female), the prosecution revealed these facts through the charges.
The prosecution stated, "Mr. A put his hand under the victim’s armpit, lifted him up, and shook him dangerously from side to side, then told Ms. B, 'You take him,' and threw the child to her," adding, "The victim hit the crown of his head on the bed frame, was unable to open his right eye, and showed abnormal symptoms such as seizures."
They continued, "The victim’s condition worsened after being struck hard in the face, showing more severe abnormal symptoms," emphasizing, "The condition deteriorated to the point where the baby could not suck on a bottle, yet the couple invited acquaintances to their home and ate meat together."
Furthermore, "Despite foreseeing the victim’s death, they searched for ways to remove bruises and did not take him to the hospital," the prosecution explained, "The victim ultimately died from a head injury."
They also claimed, "While Mr. A was hitting the victim’s face with his hand, Ms. B did not stop him and neglected the situation," adding, "They failed to fulfill their legal duty to care for the victim. They have a first daughter who was also abused, indicating a high risk of reoffending."
The prosecution applied a murder charge to Mr. A and a child abuse resulting in death charge to Ms. B.
The couple admitted to most of the facts stated in the charges but argued that there was no intent to murder.
Previously, the couple was indicted on charges of throwing their two-week-old son onto a bed and hitting his face, thighs, and soles with their palms, causing his death, at an officetel in Iksan, Jeonbuk, between February 3 and 9.
Meanwhile, it is known that the couple requested a jury trial on the 14th.
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