[Anchor]

You may recall the case of Jang Yoon-gi, who is currently on trial for kidnapping and murdering a high school girl in Gwangju last May in an attempted sexual assault. Our investigation has confirmed that Jang's father destroyed critical evidence that could have proven the sexual assault charges. Jang's father was a police official in the Gwangju area, and the evidence, which the police failed to secure, was eventually obtained by the prosecution.

Reporter Shin Yong-il has this exclusive report.

[Reporter]

In the early hours of May 5, 23-year-old Jang Yoon-gi kidnapped a high school student, Lee Chae-won, whom he had never met before, in downtown Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, and brutally murdered her with a weapon.

Arrested 11 hours after the crime, Jang claimed it was an impulsive act. The police referred the case to the prosecution on charges including murder, but did not include sexual assault charges.

However, it has been confirmed that the police missed key evidence that could have proven the motive for sexual assault during the initial investigation.

While searching Jang's residence, police identified several damaged sex dolls but failed to seize them. Shortly after the search, it was discovered that Jang's father had dismantled the dolls and discarded them in various locations across Gwangju.

Investigations also revealed that the father burned a mobile phone previously used by Jang Yoon-gi after the incident occurred. SBS confirmed that the father is a mid-ranking police officer currently serving in the Gwangju area.

Furthermore, the police failed to secure the SD card from the dashcam in Jang's vehicle. The prosecution later discovered the SD card during an additional search, which contained a recording of Jang telling an acquaintance, "I only feel sorry for the woman who appeared in front of me."

Through interviews with acquaintances, the prosecution also obtained testimony that "Jang had said if his life were ruined, he would kidnap a high school girl in a van."

Based on these findings, the prosecution concluded that the murder was motivated by sexual assault and indicted Jang last month on charges including rape and murder.

Regarding the father's actions, while current law does not punish family members for destroying evidence, experts suggest that other charges could potentially be applied.

[Choi Yong-moon / Lawyer (Director of the Administrative Watch Center at People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy): It is worth reviewing whether this could constitute obstruction of official duties, as he interfered with the police's original duties.]

It is reported that during the prosecution's investigation, Jang's father stated that he was "concerned that his son's crime would be linked to sexual matters."

(Video Editing: Shin Se-eun, Design: Kim Min-young)