Prosecutors Seek Life Sentence and 40 Years Imprisonment in 2nd Trial for Aunt and Uncle in 'Nephew Water Torture Murder' Case

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] In the appeal trial of an aunt and uncle who assaulted their 10-year-old niece, claiming she was possessed by a ghost, and subjected her to 'water torture' by forcibly submerging her in a bathtub, resulting in her death, the prosecution requested the court to impose a heavy sentence.

At the appeal trial decision hearing held on the 15th, presided over by the Criminal Division 3 of the Suwon High Court (Chief Judge Kim Sung-soo), the prosecution demanded life imprisonment for Aunt A (34, shaman) charged with murder and other offenses, consistent with the original trial, and 40 years imprisonment for Uncle B (33, traditional Korean musician).

Previously, the first trial court sentenced A to 30 years in prison and B to 12 years in prison, ordering them to complete 80 hours of child abuse treatment programs and restricting employment in child-related institutions for 10 years.

During the trial, the prosecution cited the defendants’ act of forcing the niece to lick the dog’s excrement as an example, arguing, "There is no legal principle that the emotional humiliation the child felt the moment her tongue touched the dog’s feces is absorbed into the physical abuse. Emotional abuse must be evaluated independently."

They continued, "The sentencing guidelines related to (child abuse) are being raised by the Sentencing Commission under the Supreme Court. Public sentiment is also changing. It is appropriate to judge this case according to these standards," emphasizing this point.

In their final statements, A said, "I committed a very grave mistake," and B said, "I will live reflecting and apologizing until I die for the child."

The court decided to hold the sentencing hearing on the 25th of next month.

The couple was indicted on charges of assaulting their niece C (10) over three hours on the morning of February 8 at their apartment in Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi Province, restraining her limbs in the bathroom, and repeatedly forcing her head into a bathtub filled with water, causing her death through abuse.

They abused C a total of 14 times from December of last year until her death, including physical assault. Investigations revealed they also forced her to lick the excrement of their dog.

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