Couple Who Attempted to Kill Daughter Due to Financial Hardship Receives Suspended Sentence

A couple in their 30s who attempted to kill their elementary school-aged daughter and then take their own lives due to financial hardship and other issues has been given a suspended prison sentence.

The Daejeon District Court's 12th Criminal Division (Presiding Judge Kim Byeong-man) sentenced the couple, identified as A and B, to three years in prison, suspended for five years, on July 15. They were charged with violating the Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes.

The court also ordered them to complete 40 hours of child abuse recidivism prevention lectures.

Additionally, the court imposed special conditions, including a probation order and a mandate to faithfully fulfill their responsibilities in raising their child.

The couple was indicted and detained for attempting to kill their daughter, C, on two occasions in January, citing financial difficulties and depression as reasons.

They also attempted to take their own lives, but the attempt was unsuccessful as everyone, including C, regained consciousness.

The couple was also charged with child neglect for failing to take C to the hospital after she showed abnormal symptoms, such as slurred speech, following the attempted murder.

While reprimanding the couple, the court granted leniency with a suspended sentence, taking into account that the victimized child misses her parents and that her elderly grandparents are facing difficulties in raising her.

The court stated, "As parents, the defendants abandoned their duties and attempted to take a life, which is a grave crime that deserves severe criticism." The court pointed out, "In Korea, such incidents are sometimes viewed with sympathy as 'attempted family suicide,' but when evaluating criminal responsibility, it must be clearly recognized as 'parents attempting to kill their child and then themselves.'"

The court further explained the sentencing, saying, "In this case, the criminal punishment of the defendants is a crucial factor for the welfare of the victimized child. The grandparents, who are currently raising the child, have petitioned for leniency for the defendants due to the practical limitations of their old age, and the child is also experiencing emotional distress from being separated from the defendants."

Finally, the court emphasized, "The defendants must deeply engrave in their hearts that the victimized child, whom they tried to kill, was a key consideration in the court's decision to grant a suspended sentence," adding, "Strive to fulfill your duties as parents."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.