Couple Whose 10-Year-Old Nephew Died from 'Water Torture' Deny Charges, Claiming No Intentional Harm

Published 30 Mar.2021 15:08(KST)

A couple who abused their nephew to death was transferred from Yongin Eastern Police Station in Gyeonggi Province to the prosecution on the afternoon of the 17th. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] A couple accused of repeatedly assaulting their 10-year-old niece and subjecting her to "water torture," ultimately causing her death, denied the murder charges at their first trial.

Today (30th), the first trial for the case of "10-year-old niece's death by water torture abuse" was held at the Suwon District Court, 15th Criminal Division (Presiding Judge Hyuok Jo). The defense attorneys for A (34, shaman) and B (33, traditional Korean musician), who were indicted and detained on charges of murder and violation of the Child Welfare Act (child abuse), acknowledged only the child abuse charges and denied the murder charges.

The defense stated, "Both A and B had no intent to commit murder," arguing that their actions lacked criminal intent. Additionally, the defense said, "While we acknowledge the facts related to child abuse, we will withhold our response regarding the conspiracy aspect for now."

During the trial, A and B remained silent with their heads bowed, making no additional statements. When the court asked whether they wished for a jury trial, they responded that they did not.

The couple was indicted on charges of abusing their niece C (10) to death on the afternoon of February 8th at an apartment in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. It was reported that the couple assaulted C for three hours and repeatedly submerged her head in a bathtub filled with water.

Furthermore, the prosecution's investigation revealed that from late December last year until the day of the incident, the couple had repeatedly abused C. There were also bizarre and sadistic acts, such as forcing their niece to lick dog feces and recording the act on video.