'Neglect of Adopted Child with Symptoms of Brain Hemorrhage... First Appeal Trial of Couple Who Went on Family Trip'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] A couple in their 30s who were sentenced to prison in the first trial for neglecting an adopted child showing symptoms of cerebral hemorrhage, resulting in the child's death, will face the appellate court's judgment.

The Gwangju High Court 2-2 Criminal Division (Presiding Judge Park Jeong-hoon) held the first appellate hearing on the afternoon of the 8th for Kim Mo (35) and Jo Mo (39, female), who were indicted on charges including child abuse resulting in death.

The prosecution appealed citing inappropriate sentencing, and the defendants' lawyer stated, "Since the appointment was late, we will review the records and present the reasons for the appeal at the next hearing."

Kim and Jo were each sentenced to three and five years in prison respectively in the first trial for neglecting an adopted child (then 3 years old) showing symptoms of cerebral hemorrhage by not taking the child to the hospital, resulting in death.

The couple gave zolpidem to the child, who in April 2019 showed symptoms of cerebral hemorrhage such as inability to eat properly, high fever of 39-40 degrees Celsius, and seizures, and even went on a family trip.

They left the child, whose consciousness was deteriorating, without proper treatment in a hotel room at the travel destination, and only discovered the child was in a state of apnea late that night, then reported to 119 (emergency services).

Ultimately, the child died in the emergency room due to head injuries including subdural hemorrhage, brain contusion, and cerebral edema.

They are also charged with hitting the face of another adopted child (then 3 years old) with their hand for not looking at the camera while filming a video.

The couple claimed in the first trial, "We did not give zolpidem, and the (deceased adopted child) was able to eat when leaving for the family trip and was conscious upon arrival at the hotel," and "We did not recognize that the child was in a critical condition that could lead to death."

The next trial will be held on March 8 at 4:30 PM.

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