Police Suspect Hanging in Jeju Missing Persons Case, But Pyo Chang-won Warns Against Premature Conclusions

Regarding the case of Jang Mi-ran, who was found dead 104 days after being reported missing in Jeju, an analysis has emerged stating that "it is difficult to conclude suicide from a practical standpoint."

Pyo Chang-won, head of the Pyo Chang-won Crime Science Research Institute, stated during an interview on CBS Radio's News Show today, "From a practical field perspective, there are no signs of a physical struggle with anyone, no signs of a third party entering or leaving, and no signs of the body being disturbed, moved, or abandoned," adding, "Based on the physical examination of the body at the scene, hanging is suspected."

He continued, "While it is highly likely to be determined as an act committed by the person themselves," he also noted that it should not be hastily or easily concluded.

[Pyo Chang-won / Head, Pyo Chang-won Crime Science Research Institute: We cannot conclude that yet. There are other factors that could fabricate such a situation, so we are still in a cautious position.]

At the same time, he emphasized that even if the body has undergone significant decomposition, the cause of death must be determined through a thorough autopsy.

Pyo also strongly criticized the police for their complacent response.

Pyo pointed out, "Considering the clothing, belongings, and CCTV footage at the time of the disappearance, the possibility of travel on foot should have been prioritized," adding, "If the police had continued the search initially without lying that contact had been made, even if survival could not be known, early discovery would have been fully possible."

Regarding the police officer who falsely closed the case, he stated, "It is like leaving the cat in charge of the fish, and a clear criminal act abusing police status, authority, and the system," and added, "We must not assume that others besides the two individuals revealed so far are doing the same, and a full investigation must be conducted until life, death, and location are verified."

(Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Choi Kang-san | Design by Lee Sumin | Produced by SBS Digital News | Video source: CBS 'Park Sung-tae's News Show')
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.