Subtleties Behind the Missing Person Case: Key Clues and Critical Statements

It is estimated that Jang Mi-ran, who was a long-term missing person in Jeju, likely died around dawn the next day after leaving her accommodation on May 12.

During a Q and A session with reporters today, the Jeju Provincial Police Agency stated, "After Jang left her long-term accommodation at 10:15 p.m. on May 12, there were no changes in her cell phone location values or any additional call records until her phone was turned off."

Police said, "Based on these facts, we view it as highly likely that Jang died around dawn transitioning from the 12th to the 13th."

Regarding the possibility of a crime, maintaining their previous stance, they stated, "Judging by the posture and location of the body when discovered and the verbal opinion of the forensic examiner, the possibility of criminal involvement is considered low."

Police stated, "The forensic examiner gave a verbal opinion estimating that she died by hanging," adding, "As a result of the crime scene investigation, a string belonging to Jang was found on a protruding branch at the top of a palm tree."

However, police added that they are investigating with all possibilities open, including conducting a forensic examination of her cell phone.

Along with the investigation into the circumstances of Jang's death, an investigation is also underway regarding police officer Boo, who manipulated Jang's missing person records.

Officer Boo is suspected of falsely telling the reporter who filed the missing person report in May that "contact was made with Jang, but she asked not to disclose her location," closing the case arbitrarily and deleting Jang's data from the management list of the missing person profiling system.

While searching for Jang, police became aware of Officer Boo's wrongdoing, conducted a pre-booking investigation on the 11th, and formally booked him on the 14th of the same month.

The Jeju District Court issued an arrest warrant yesterday for Officer Boo, who faces charges including dereliction of duty, falsification and uttering of official electronic records, and obstruction of official duties by fraudulent means.

Officer Boo reportedly maintained his previous claim during the warrant review that "he contacted the missing person," denying the charges of false case closure.

(Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Choi Gang-san | Design by Sumin | Produced by SBS Digital News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.