Police Suspect Jeju Long-Term Missing Person Died Right After Leaving Accommodation; Key Suspicions Surround Police Officer Boo

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

During a Q&A session with the press today (August 26), 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 powered off."

Police said, "Based on these facts, we view it as highly likely that Jang died around dawn, between May 12 and 13."

Regarding the possibility of foul play, maintaining their previous stance, police stated, "Judging by the posture and location of the body when discovered, as well as the oral opinion of the forensic pathologist, the possibility of criminal involvement is considered low."

Police stated, "The forensic pathologist provided an oral opinion estimating death by hanging," adding, "As a result of the on-site forensic examination, a strap belonging to Jang was found on a protruding branch at the top of a palm tree."

However, police added that they are investigating all possibilities, including conducting cell phone forensics.

Alongside the investigation into the circumstances of Jang's death, an investigation is also underway into Police Officer Boo, who fabricated Jang's missing person report records.

Officer Boo is suspected of falsely telling the reporter that he had "made contact with Jang, who was reported missing last May, but 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.

After becoming aware of Officer Boo's wrongdoing during the search for Jang, police 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 deceit.

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

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