'Jeongin Incident' Trial, Final Witness Examination Today... Forensic Expert Testifies

Prosecution Likely to Focus on Proving Murder Charge Based on Testimony
Sentencing Expected by May at the Latest Following Verdict Trial on the 17th

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The fifth trial of the adoptive parents who abused and caused the death of 16-month-old adoptee Jeong-in will be held on the afternoon of the 7th. In this trial, the forensic expert who re-examined the Jeong-in case will appear as the final witness.

The Criminal Division 13 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Chief Judge Lee Sang-ju) will hold a trial at 2 p.m. on the same day for charges against the adoptive mother Jang for murder and violation of the Special Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes (child abuse resulting in death), and charges against the adoptive father Ahn for violation of the Child Welfare Act (child abuse, etc.).

In this trial, Professor Lee Jung-bin, Chair Professor of Forensic Medicine at Gachon University College of Medicine, whom the prosecution requested as a witness, will appear as the final witness. Professor Lee was one of three experts commissioned by the prosecution for re-examination last December, who re-investigated the cause of death based on Jeong-in’s medical photos and evidence photos. At that time, Professor Lee reportedly expressed the opinion that it was highly likely that Jang had stepped on Jeong-in’s abdomen with her foot.

Based on this, the prosecution applied to amend the indictment at the first trial on January 13, charging Jang with murder as the principal charge and child abuse resulting in death as the alternative charge. The indictment stated that Jang caused Jeong-in’s death by knocking her down and stepping on her with her foot after prolonged child abuse that weakened Jeong-in.

The prosecution is expected to focus on proving Jang’s murder charge based on the testimonies of Professor Lee and others in this trial as well. Jang’s side reversed their position on the facts to admit to repeatedly hitting Jeong-in’s abdomen, acknowledging habitual assault, but they are still reported to deny all charges of murder and child abuse resulting in death.

Meanwhile, after this trial concludes, the defendants’ examination and the prosecution’s sentencing recommendation will take place on the 17th, and the verdict is expected to be delivered by May at the latest.

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