Prosecutors: "Jeong-in Appears to Have Been Stepped on Barefoot in the Abdomen... Electronic Ankle Bracelet Should Be Attached" (Comprehensive)

"Emotional Control and Empathy Deficits... Risk of Recidivism Present"
Yang's Side States "No Opportunity or Possibility of Recidivism Should Be Considered"

On the 17th, when the second trial of the 'Jung-in case,' in which the child died due to abuse by adoptive parents, was held, citizens held a protest demanding punishment for the adoptive parents in front of the Southern District Court in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] It has been alleged that the adoptive mother who abused and caused the death of 16-month-old adoptee Jeong-in stepped hard on the child's abdomen barefoot on the day of the incident.

The Criminal Division 13 of the Seoul Southern District Court (Chief Judge Lee Sang-ju) held a trial on the 7th regarding charges against Ms. 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 Mr. Ahn for violation of the Child Welfare Act (child abuse, etc.).

During the trial, the prosecution stated, "On the day of death, the victim child suffered a torn mesentery causing a blood loss of 600 ml, and the pancreas was also severed, resulting in severe organ damage. Such injuries could not have occurred simply by the child falling, as claimed by the defendant."

They continued, "Considering the testimony of the downstairs neighbor who heard a 'thud' sound on the day of the incident and the absence of bruises on the abdomen, it is presumed that the defendant stepped barefoot on the victim child's abdomen. Judging by the extent of damage to other organs, it appears the child was stepped on forcefully at least twice."

The prosecution also explained that many wounds found on various parts of the body, aside from the fatal abdominal injuries, were caused by intentional external force such as assault.

The prosecution said, "Judging by the size and bleeding of the wounds on the back of the head and other areas, most appear to have been caused by being struck with long, hard objects. Wounds and scars consistent with being hit under the armpits while in a raised-arm position or with strong strangulation of the neck were also found."

They added, "Not only physical abuse but emotional abuse also occurred continuously. There were multiple instances where the child was placed in a stroller without a seatbelt and slammed against a wall, or the child's neck was grabbed and lifted to place on an elevator handrail."

Furthermore, the prosecution requested an order to attach an electronic tracking device (electronic anklet) to the adoptive mother Ms. Jang. The prosecution stated, "Ms. Jang exhibits a self-centered tendency prioritizing her own desires. When her desires are frustrated, she appears to have difficulty controlling her emotions and lacks empathy for others. There is a risk of her committing murder again in the future, so we request a probation order with an electronic tracking device."

In response, Ms. Jang's defense attorney requested the court to dismiss the prosecution's request, stating, "We believe there is no opportunity or possibility for the defendant to reoffend."

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