A woman in her 20s who allegedly neglected her 19-month-old second daughter to death has been placed under additional investigation for abusing her first daughter, it was revealed.
At the first trial held Tuesday before the 14th Criminal Division of the Incheon District Court, the defense attorney for the defendant, identified only as A, 29, said, "We understand that prosecutors are also reviewing indictment on the first child abuse case," raising the possibility of future consolidation of the cases. A was additionally booked on charges of assaulting her elementary school-aged first daughter twice between January and February this year (child abuse under the Child Welfare Act) and was referred to prosecutors the previous day.
A is currently on trial in connection with the death of her second daughter. She was arrested and indicted last month on charges of causing the death of her 19-month-old daughter, identified as B, by failing to properly feed her at their home in Namdong-gu, Incheon. She also faces charges of prolonged parental neglect.
The National Forensic Service (NFS), which conducted an autopsy on B, said, "The death is presumed to have been caused by malnutrition." At the time of death, B weighed 4.7 kilograms, less than half the average weight (10.4 kg) for her age.
Prosecutors' investigation revealed specific circumstances of neglect. From January this year, A failed to properly provide milk and baby food. She was found to have provided no food at all for up to 67 consecutive hours. In the five days leading up to the death, she left the child alone and went out for approximately 92 of the 120 hours.
Classified as a basic livelihood recipient and single-parent household, A had been receiving more than 3 million won ($2,100) per month on average in livelihood benefits and child allowances since last year. She also reportedly received monthly supplies of food ingredients, beverages, doughnuts, candy and hats from "Food Bank," which provides food and daily necessities to vulnerable groups. Her last visit to the Food Bank was one month before B was found dead.
Despite such multiple public support measures, B was in a state of severe malnutrition when discovered, reportedly so emaciated that her ribs were visible.
"Intent" is expected to be the key issue at trial. While the defense attorney acknowledged some of the neglect, he said he would state his position on whether there was intent to kill after further review.
