Prosecutors Seek 30-Year Prison Sentence for Mother Who Starved 19-Month-Old Daughter While Spending Money on Leisure

Prosecutors have requested a heavy prison sentence for a mother in her 20s who neglected her 19-month-old daughter, leading to the child's death from malnutrition.

The prosecution demanded a 30-year prison sentence and five years of probation for the 29-year-old defendant, identified as A, who was arrested and indicted on charges including child abuse resulting in death.

A is on trial for charges including failing to provide proper care, such as food, to her second daughter, B, at their home in Namdong-gu, Incheon, this past March, which ultimately led to the child's death.

According to the investigation, A had been neglecting B in a room without providing proper milk or baby food since January. In one instance, the child was left without any food for up to 67 hours.

An autopsy revealed that B died from malnutrition and dehydration.

At the time of her death, 19-month-old B weighed only 4.7 kg, which is less than half of the 10.4 kg average weight for a girl of the same age.

It was also discovered that for five days, from February 28 until just before the child died, A left B home alone for 92 hours while she went out to places like amusement parks and saunas.

As a recipient of basic livelihood security and a single-parent household, A was receiving over 3 million won in monthly public support, including livelihood benefits and child allowances. She was also reportedly receiving monthly food supplies from a food bank for vulnerable groups.

However, it was revealed that A used some of this support money to purchase monthly musical memberships and make donations.

Furthermore, home camera footage from A's residence captured her yelling at the 19-month-old child, saying things like, "Do you want me to break your wrist?" while also physically abusing her.

The bodies of two dogs and animal waste were also found neglected in A's home.

The prosecution criticized the defendant, stating, "The defendant neglected the victim for a long period, causing the child to suffer mental and physical pain for two months before she died." They added, "Despite being fully aware of the child's condition, the defendant lived her own life and enjoyed her time as if the child did not exist."

Explaining the reason for the sentencing request, they noted, "She has shown only an attitude of evading responsibility throughout the investigation, and it does not seem likely that she will improve."

In contrast, A's side argued, "The defendant, who has borderline intellectual functioning, acted impulsively while struggling with financial hardship and the stress of raising a child."

Reported by Jung Da-eun | Video by Lee Ui-seon | Graphics by Lee Soo-min | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.