'Uncle and Aunt Who Broke 6-Year-Old Nephew's Rib to Death Receive Major Sentence Reduction in Second Trial'

Uncle, 1st Trial 25 Years Imprisonment → 2nd Trial 20 Years Imprisonment
Aunt, 1st Trial 25 Years Imprisonment → 2nd Trial 5 Years Imprisonment

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The uncle and aunt who were sentenced to 25 years in prison in the first trial for severely beating and killing their 6-year-old niece, breaking 16 ribs, had their sentences reduced by 5 to 15 years respectively in the second trial.

On the afternoon of the 18th, the Seoul High Court Criminal Division 7 (Presiding Judge Seong Suje) sentenced Mr. A (39) and Mrs. B (30), a married couple indicted on charges of murder and child abuse under the Child Welfare Act, to 20 years and 5 years in prison respectively in the appeal trial. Their sentences were reduced by 5 years and 15 years respectively.

On this day, the court applied the charge of child abuse resulting in death instead of murder to the couple. The court judged that it was difficult to see that the couple had the intent to kill C (then 6 years old). The court cited reasons such as Mr. A’s deep affection for his younger sister, who is C’s biological mother, the scheduled visit of a bunk bed installer to the house on the day of death, and the fact that the couple each attempted emergency measures when C collapsed.

The court stated, "Mr. A has admitted all the child abuse offenses in this court and has shown a deeply remorseful attitude by admitting most of the charges of child abuse resulting in death," and explained the sentencing reason as "It appears to be a crime that occurred because he could not control his anger, not a premeditated crime."

Regarding Mrs. B, the court explained, "She was already raising three children, including a biological child with autism spectrum disorder, and it seems that the crime occurred under extreme stress from also having to raise the victim," and added, "She never directly committed abusive acts and has no prior criminal record exceeding a fine."

Earlier, the couple was brought to trial on charges of repeatedly hitting their niece C’s face and abdomen dozens of times in an apartment in Jung-gu, Incheon, in August 2020, causing her to die from a brain hemorrhage. It was investigated that Mr. A and Mrs. B kicked or stepped on C, breaking 16 ribs. C had wounds on her buttocks that became infected and oozed pus, but the couple did not take her to the hospital.

The couple was raising their biological children aged 7 to 8 and started taking care of C from April of that year. However, they continued to abuse and assault her under the pretext of disciplining her because she was a picky eater and frequently vomited after eating.

Initially, the couple denied all charges in court. However, the first trial sentenced them to 25 years in prison each, stating, "The defendants increased the frequency and intensity of violence against their niece, the victim, and neglected her wounds, ultimately causing her death." It also pointed out, "The defendants must have been fully aware of these wounds when washing or changing the victim’s clothes," and "Although they knew hospital treatment was necessary, they avoided it out of fear that the abuse would be revealed."

"The victim, who was healthy before living together, died within four months of living with them," and "Although the victim’s biological mother expressed that she did not want the defendants to be punished, this was not specially reflected in the sentencing," the court added.

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