"Unfamiliar Cause of Death for Victim, Fact-Checking Needed"
The second trial for a man in his twenties who assaulted and caused the death of his ex-girlfriend was held on the afternoon of the 11th at the Tongyeong Branch of the Changwon District Court in South Gyeongsang Province.
According to the prosecution, the defendant, a man in his twenties known as the suspect in the so-called "Geoje Dating Violence Death Case," has been brought to trial on charges of inflicting bodily injury resulting in death, trespassing, and excessive approach behavior (stalking).
He is accused of breaking into the studio apartment of his ex-girlfriend, a woman in her twenties, on April 1, climbing on top of her while she was sleeping, and violently assaulting her by hitting her head and face and strangling her, which led to her death.
Due to A's assault, B suffered severe injuries including traumatic subdural hemorrhage, requiring six weeks of treatment, but died from multiple organ failure caused by sepsis after ten days in the hospital.
It was found that since A began dating B, a high school classmate, in April 2022, he had repeatedly engaged in violence, such as slapping her face multiple times.
Even after breaking up with B right before the incident, A called her 14 times, and when B did not answer, he visited her residence, engaging in excessive approach behavior (stalking).
At the trial, A's lawyer stated, "The defendant acknowledges the facts and actions described in the indictment and feels infinite responsibility for the victim's death, deeply reflecting on his actions," admitting to the assault.
However, he denied the charges of excessive approach behavior (stalking) and trespassing.
The lawyer argued, "A admits to calling the victim and visiting her home, but even during the calls, they were arguing and exchanging messages. The defendant, in a very agitated and intoxicated state, only went to her home to question her about breaking their meeting promise, and did not commit any act that meets the legal requirements of stalking."
He added, "Although he entered the victim's residence, they were maintaining a cohabiting relationship."
The lawyer continued, "The cause of death listed in the indictment, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, is an unfamiliar medical term and seems to be a rare disease even the medical staff are not well aware of. There is a need to consult more specialized institutions regarding the cause of death."
A's side decided to request fact-finding from the Medical Association and the National Forensic Service to determine whether there was any medical malpractice.
The prosecution secured the right for the victim's family to speak, as requested during the first trial. However, they will speak after the defendant's side completes their fact-finding.
It is also being considered to change the charge from bodily injury resulting in death, as stated in the original indictment, to murder, as requested by the victim's family.
The father of the victim in the Geoje dating violence death case is entering the courtroom to attend the trial. Photo by Lee Seryeong
After the trial, B's mother stated, "It seemed as though he was admitting to the charges, but in reality, he denied everything by saying 'but, but.' The intention to conduct fact-finding appears to be an attempt to delay the trial until the six-month detention period expires."
She also expressed concern, saying, "The perpetrator, who still hasn't apologized or shown any sign of remorse, might end up standing trial without being detained."
B's father said, "After losing my daughter, my daily life has collapsed. I had to find evidence of the crime myself and collect materials, and I had to speak about the facts of the crime several times on behalf of my daughter, who cannot speak. My son and I are struggling to get through each day, and my wife cannot function without taking medicine three times a day."
"Honestly, whether the perpetrator serves 10 or 20 years in prison, what difference does it make? He is still alive, but our daughter is gone," he said.
"Even so, we are trying to stay strong, hoping the perpetrator receives the harshest punishment possible. I hope this case sets a precedent to prevent future crimes, that dating violence will be listed as a legal term, and that relevant punishment laws will be enacted," he added.
National Assembly Petition by the Bereaved Family of the Victim in the Geoje Dating Violence Death Case. [Image Source: Screenshot from the National Assembly Petition Board]
Previously, on the 14th of last month, a National Assembly petition for improvement of the system related to dating violence, submitted by the victim's family, surpassed 50,000 signatures within three days and was referred to the relevant standing committee of the National Assembly.
The petition called for: a complete overhaul of the dating violence investigation manual; increased sentencing for assault and bodily injury resulting in death in relationships involving family or romantic partners; increased sentencing for stalking by acquaintances; and the enactment of a law punishing dating violence.
If the bill is deemed appropriate after review by the standing committee, it may pass the National Assembly and be amended into law.
The next trial for this case is scheduled to be held in the same courtroom at 11 a.m. on August 29.
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