"Only Bones and Skin Left"... 20s Biological Mother Who Starved and Abused 4-Year-Old Daughter Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison

Weight at time of death 7kg... Half the average for peers
Court: "Severe sentence must be imposed"

A woman in her 20s, accused of abusing and neglecting her 4-year-old daughter by feeding her only formula for six months and repeatedly assaulting her, ultimately causing the child's death, was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

On the 30th, the Criminal Division 6 of the Busan District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Tae-eop) sentenced Ms. A, who was tried on charges including violation of the Special Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes (child abuse resulting in death), to 35 years in prison and a fine of 5 million won. The court also ordered 120 hours of participation in a child abuse treatment program and a 10-year employment ban in child-related institutions.

A woman in her 20s was sentenced to 35 years in prison for abusing, neglecting, and assaulting her 4-year-old daughter, resulting in the child's death.

Ms. A was prosecuted for repeatedly hitting her daughter, Ms. B (4 years old), on the face and body at their residence in Geumjeong-gu, Busan, on December 14 last year, resulting in the child's death.

According to the facts recognized in the first trial, Ms. A did not provide normal food to her daughter, feeding her only one meal a day of rice soaked in water mixed with formula for six months. At the time of death, Ms. B was 87 cm tall and weighed only 7 kg, about half the weight of children her age.

Ms. A also habitually assaulted her daughter, Ms. B. Ms. B developed strabismus due to abnormalities in her optic nerve, and although the hospital recommended surgery, Ms. A took no action. Eventually, Ms. B's condition worsened to the point where she could barely distinguish light and dark objects.

On the day of her death, the abuse and assault continued from 6 a.m. Ms. A assaulted Ms. B because she said, "Mom, please give me food. I'm hungry."

The court stated, "The defendant starved the victim child for a long time and inflicted severe violence. Considering the physical and mental suffering the victim child endured and the cruelty of the crime, the heaviest possible sentence must be imposed," explaining the sentencing rationale.

It further ruled, "At the time of death, the victim child resembled a mummy, with only bones and skin remaining due to abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Because of the mother's selfishness, who prioritized her own safety, the child was not protected even at the last opportunity to be protected by her mother."

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