High School Girl Imprisoned, Abused, and Murdered... Church Choir Director Sentenced to Life Imprisonment

Two Accomplices Each Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison
Victim's Mother Also Sentenced to 5 Years for Neglect Charges

The prosecution has demanded a life sentence for the choir director accused of abusing and killing a high school girl living at a church.

On the 25th, the prosecution requested a life sentence for A (52, female), the church choir director charged with child abuse resulting in death and unlawful confinement, at the sentencing hearing held by the 13th Criminal Division of the Incheon District Court (Presiding Judge Jang Woo-young), according to Yonhap News. The prosecution also sought 30 years in prison each for co-conspirators B (54, female), a church member, and another woman in her 40s. Additionally, the victim’s mother (52), who was charged with neglect and abandonment for sending her daughter, who needed medical treatment, to the church instead of a hospital, was sentenced to 5 years in prison.

A man in his 50s, accused of abusing and killing a high school girl at a church, appeared at the pre-trial detention hearing held at the Incheon District Court on May 18. Photo by Yonhap News

A and the other three were tried on charges of abusing and killing C (17), a high school girl living at a church in Incheon from February to May 15. They abused C to the point of bruising her entire body and depriving her of sleep. They forced C, who had not slept for five days, to copy the Bible and made her climb stairs from the basement first floor to the seventh floor above ground for an hour. Due to continuous abuse, C lost control of her bladder and bowels and was unable to eat any food, yet they continued harsh treatment, including tying her up. Eventually, on May 15 around 8 p.m., C lost consciousness and collapsed while eating at the church. She was transported to a hospital by the 119 emergency team but died four hours later.

The prosecution pointed out, "A and others exchanged messages about 'fighting Satan' or 'fighting ghosts' related to the victim and even searched for 'mental hospital beatings.' The defendants accused the victim of being 'Satan' and 'ghosts,' which ultimately led to her death." They added, "A bears the greatest responsibility for the victim’s death as she received reports of all crimes from B and others who blindly followed her and gave instructions, but she continues to give false statements to avoid responsibility. Instead of reflecting on the crimes, she even ordered the destruction of evidence."

Regarding B and others, the prosecution criticized, "They blindly followed A’s orders and abused the victim in cruel ways. They still do not show remorse and repeatedly give false statements, damaging the honor of the already deceased victim." They also said about the victim C’s mother, "Even though her child died, she tried to lessen A’s culpability during the investigation and trial process. It is hard to see her as the victim’s mother."

However, their defense attorneys argued in their closing statements, "The defendants had no motive to abuse the victim and rather cared for her sincerely without any reward. The part about restraining the victim was not intended as abuse but was the minimum measure to protect her from greater risks such as self-harm."

At the court hearing that day, A said, "I await the wise judgment of the presiding judge," while B tearfully said, "Even though I was sick, I cared for the victim wholeheartedly and never intended to abuse or kill her."

The sentencing hearing for them is scheduled to be held at the Incheon District Court on the afternoon of the 6th of next month.