Mother Who Threw 40-Day-Old Son on the Floor and Killed Him... Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

Defense Counsel Appeals for Leniency Citing Postpartum Depression as Cause of Crime

The prosecution has demanded a 30-year prison sentence for a woman in her 20s who threw her 40-day-old son onto the floor and left him unattended for three hours, resulting in his death.

At the sentencing hearing held on the 14th before the 14th Criminal Division of the Incheon District Court (Presiding Judge Ryu Kyung-jin), the prosecution requested this sentence for A (24), who was charged with child abuse homicide under the Special Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes.

The prosecution explained, "The defendant did not properly state the motive for the crime in court, but a digital forensic analysis of her mobile phone revealed searches such as 'I gave birth but have no maternal love. I hate newborns. Baby mom anger control disorder.'

They added, "The defendant witnessed abnormal symptoms such as the victim’s weak pulse and eyes rolling back during the first impact but inflicted a stronger second impact. The case is very serious and the nature of the crime is severe," explaining the reason for the sentence request.

A was arrested and indicted on charges of killing her son B, who was 40 days old, by forcefully throwing him onto the floor twice and leaving him unattended for three hours in an apartment in Seo-gu, Incheon, last April. According to the autopsy by the National Forensic Service, B is presumed to have died from skull fractures and brain hemorrhage.

20-year-old mother drops 40-day-old son, causing death [Image source=Yonhap News]

In her final defense, A’s lawyer stated, "The defendant was abandoned by her parents during childhood and suffered postpartum depression without anyone to confide in or rely on after marriage," appealing, "Please show leniency within the limits allowed by law."

In her final statement, A said, "No matter how many times I cry out that I was wrong, my son cannot hear me," and added, "I am a sinner." During questioning before the prosecution’s sentencing request, when asked why she caused the child’s death, she claimed, "I did not expect the baby to die."

Earlier, at the first trial held last month, A admitted all charges and submitted a written statement to the court requesting consideration of the crime as caused by parenting stress in sentencing.

A’s husband also appeared in court and appealed for leniency, saying, "When my wife said she was severely depressed, I should have taken her to the hospital for treatment, but I failed to do so and deeply regret it."

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