A 29-year-old biological mother has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for allegedly failing to properly care for her 19-month-old daughter, leading to the child’s death.
The Incheon District Court Criminal Division 14 (Judge Son Seung-beom) on the 21st handed down the sentence to A, who was indicted on charges of child abuse resulting in death under the Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes, etc. The court also ordered A to complete a 200-hour child abuse treatment program and imposed a 10-year employment restriction at child-related institutions. However, the court determined that there was insufficient evidence to prove A intentionally killed her daughter, applying the lesser charge of child abuse resulting in death instead of child abuse murder. Earlier, prosecutors had demanded a 30-year prison sentence and five years of probation after release.
A was indicted for allegedly leaving her 19-month-old daughter, B, without food and neglecting her care at their villa in Namdong-gu, Incheon, on March 4, causing her death. She also faced charges of physically abusing her eldest daughter twice.
The National Forensic Service’s autopsy concluded that B died from malnutrition and dehydration. At the time of death, B weighed 4.7 kg, less than half the average weight of 10.4 kg for children her age. Photos released during the trial showed B’s emaciated body with visible bones and sunken eye sockets.
Investigations revealed that A had regretted giving birth to B and was passive in her upbringing. Since January, A had neglected to provide B with milk or solid food for up to 67 hours at a time. From February 28, she left B alone at home for 92 hours while visiting amusement parks and saunas.
Photos of A’s home showed unwashed dishes piled in the sink and a disorganized living space.