"Due to Financial Hardship"...Prosecutors Seek 12-Year Prison Term for Couple in Their 30s for Attempted Murder of Elementary School Daughter

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Prosecutors have requested a 12-year prison sentence each for a married couple in their 30s who attempted to kill their elementary school-aged daughter due to financial hardship and other reasons, but failed in their suicide attempt.

On June 19, during the sentencing procedure at the Daejeon District Court Criminal Division 12 (Presiding Judge Kim Byungman), the couple, referred to as Mr. A and Ms. B, both in their 30s, stood trial for charges including violation of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Child Abuse Crimes (child abuse murder).

Exterior view of Daejeon District Court

The prosecution stated, "Although the defendants' crime was not completed, the fact that the parents, as independent individuals, attempted to take the life of their minor child, who should be protected, makes their actions highly blameworthy and their guilt severe." The prosecution further added, "The emotional scars on the child are likely to last for a long time. The defendants initially denied the charges during the investigation and attempted to destroy evidence, only admitting their wrongdoing after being detained, which also reflects poorly on the nature of their crime."

Accordingly, the prosecution requested a 12-year prison sentence for each defendant, mandatory participation in a child abuse treatment program, and restrictions on employment in child-related institutions.

The couple was indicted and detained in January on charges of attempting to kill their elementary school-aged daughter, referred to as Ms. C, on two occasions, citing financial hardship and depression. They also attempted to take their own lives, but all, including Ms. C, regained consciousness, resulting in an attempted rather than completed crime.

In his final statement, Mr. A said, "As a parent, I committed an unforgivable wrong against my child, and I will never make such a misguided choice again. Although we are inadequate parents, I ask for leniency so that I can be with my daughter."

Ms. B stated, "I am deeply ashamed and sorry to my child for hurting her and almost taking her precious life simply because life became difficult. Please, grant my family just one more chance to live together."

The couple also faces charges of neglect for failing to take Ms. C, who exhibited speech difficulties and other abnormal symptoms after the attempted killing, to the hospital. The following day, Ms. C's grandmother, noticing her unusual condition, called emergency services. Ms. C is reported to be recovering. Sentencing is scheduled for July 15.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.