'10-year-old Niece Abuse Death' Couple Detained for Custody Hearing... When Asked About Feelings, "I'm Sorry"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] An aunt and uncle who abused and caused the death of their ten-year-old niece are now at a crossroads regarding detention.

The Suwon District Court is conducting a pre-trial detention hearing (warrant substantive examination) for the couple, A (in their 40s) and B (in their 40s), starting at 2:30 PM on the 10th. The decision on whether to detain them is expected to be made late that night.

A, the aunt of the deceased 10-year-old girl C, said "I'm sorry" in response to reporters' questions about her feelings before attending the hearing. The uncle B, who also appeared in court earlier, briefly responded "I'm sorry" when asked why they caused their niece's death.

The couple A and B are accused of abusing their temporarily cared-for niece C on the morning of the 8th by beating her severely with a plastic fly swatter and broom because she did not obey, and submerging her head in a bathtub filled with water, which led to her death.

After the abuse, when C was not breathing, they called 119 at 12:35 PM the same day, reporting "The child is submerged in the bathtub and not breathing." Paramedics transported C, who was in cardiac arrest, to the hospital while performing CPR, but she ultimately passed away.

Bruises and marks were found all over C's body. Consequently, hospital medical staff and paramedics reported suspected child abuse, and the couple was urgently arrested on charges of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes.

During police investigation, the couple confessed to all abuse and assault. It was revealed that they took turns submerging C's head in the bathtub.

The exact cause of C's death has not yet been determined, but the police received a preliminary verbal opinion from the forensic pathologist estimating death due to "secondary shock." It is expected to take about two weeks to obtain the precise autopsy results.

Once the detention warrants for A and B are issued, the police plan to thoroughly investigate the exact motive and method of the crime. They are also considering changing the couple's charges to murder.

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