The Tragedy of a Mother and Son in Bangbae-dong Neglected by COVID-19...A Mother in Her 60s Dies Alone, Son with Developmental Disability Becomes Homeless

Police Investigating Unnatural Death Case
"Low Possibility of Homicide"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] A woman in her 60s who lived with her son with developmental disabilities was found dead about five months after her death, prompting the police to launch an investigation.

On the 14th, the Seoul Bangbae Police Station announced that they are investigating the case in which the body of A (60) was found in Bangbae-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 3rd.

According to the police, A’s body was significantly decomposed when discovered, and her son B (36) reportedly stated that A had died about five months ago.

The police found the body following a report from a welfare worker who was taking care of B, who had been homeless near Isu Station in Dongjak-gu. B is known to have stayed by his deceased mother’s side for some time before leaving the house to live on the streets after the electricity was cut off. The welfare worker, having heard from B that "my mother was not breathing," visited the residence of the mother and son with the police, leading to the delayed discovery of the body.

A was a recipient of basic livelihood security benefits and had lived with her son B for over ten years. Although B had developmental disabilities, he was not registered as disabled. Seocho District Office sent masks to them, but since they were delivered by courier, A’s death was not confirmed, leading to criticism that the local community neglected the tragedy for several months.

After conducting an autopsy and other procedures, the police concluded that homicide was unlikely and believe she died from an underlying illness. They are continuing to investigate the exact cause of death.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.