Father Leaves Water Running in Bathtub and Goes to Convenience Store... 3-Year-Old Daughter Found Dead

Court Sentences Suspended Prison Term for Imprisonment Sentence

A biological father who left his 3-year-old daughter in a bathtub filled with running water and went out, resulting in her death, was brought to trial and sentenced to probation.

According to the legal community on the 18th, the Cheongju District Court Criminal Division 6 (Presiding Judge Jo Hyun-seon) sentenced a man in his 40s, Mr. A, who was indicted on charges of negligent homicide, to six months in prison with a one-year probation.

Bathtub. The photo is not related to any specific expression in the article. Pixabay

Mr. A is accused of leaving Ms. B (3) unattended in the bathtub of an apartment bathroom in Osong-eup, Cheongju City, where he resided, at around 4:26 p.m. on August 1, 2022, causing her death.

At that time, Mr. A went out to a nearby convenience store, leaving Ms. B, who was playing in the bathtub, and her twin sister Ms. C behind. Approximately 17 minutes passed while he purchased coffee, cigarettes, and other items at the convenience store, during which the water level in the bathtub gradually rose.

When Mr. A returned home, Ms. B had already lost consciousness. She was immediately transported to a nearby hospital by the 119 emergency medical team but ultimately passed away. Ms. B was reported to have suffered from a rare disease and had intellectual and physical disabilities. The court stated, "The defendant neglected a disabled child who required absolute protection from adults, leading to her death," but also noted, "Considering that he is remorseful and likely to suffer mental distress, and that his spouse has pleaded for leniency, the sentence was determined."