Jeongin's Abusive Adoptive Parents, Second Trial Sentencing Today... Prosecution Seeks Death Penalty

In the First Trial, Yang Mo Received Life Imprisonment and Yang Bu Was Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The second trial verdict for Jang Mo, the adoptive mother who was sentenced to life imprisonment in the first trial for abusing and causing the death of 16-month-old adopted daughter Jeongin, will be announced today.

On the 26th, the Seoul High Court Criminal Division 7 (Presiding Judge Seong Suje, Judges Kang Gyeongpyo and Bae Jeonghyeon) will hold the appellate trial sentencing hearing at 10:30 a.m. for Jang, who was indicted on charges including murder, and the adoptive father Ahn, who was indicted on charges including violation of the Child Welfare Act (child abuse).

At the appellate trial’s closing arguments held on the 5th, Jang said, "I feel guilty toward my daughter who lived a hard life and ended her difficult life," and "What I did is disgusting to even speak of." She added, "I am definitely an abnormal person with unsound mind," and "I kneel and apologize to my second child who met the worst mother."

The prosecution, on the other hand, stated, "This case involves a crime against a 16-month-old child who is difficult to defend herself, so the nature of the crime is serious and antisocial," and requested the death penalty as in the first trial.

Ahn, in his final statement, said, "I sincerely ask for forgiveness once again from Jeongin, who left this world painfully due to my irresponsibility and ignorance," and "I also apologize to those who were shocked and hurt, and to my parents who were treated as the same criminals because of my fault."

Jang was arrested and indicted on charges of repeatedly assaulting and abusing her adopted daughter Jeongin from June to October last year, and delivering a strong blow to her abdomen on October 13, causing her death. The prosecution viewed that Jang had intent or at least conditional intent to kill Jeongin, applying murder as the main charge and child abuse resulting in death as a subsidiary charge in the trial.

Her husband Ahn was also indicted for aiding and abetting Jang’s assault.

The first trial recognized that Jang inflicted a strong impact on Jeongin and acknowledged conditional intent, convicting her of murder and sentencing her to life imprisonment. Ahn was sentenced to five years in prison.