In the early hours of the morning, emergency responders rushed into a multi-family residence in Daejeon after receiving a distress call that a 25‐month‐old girl was not breathing. The toddler, who was born prematurely, was quickly transported to a hospital, but despite urgent efforts, she was later pronounced dead.
Prosecutors have classified the incident as a death resulting from parental abuse and have brought the couple, both in their 30s, to trial. According to the investigation, the child’s mother allegedly fed her daugther approximately half a teaspoon of spicy Buldak ramen sauce.
Authorities further revealed that while bathing the distraught child, the toddler's head struck the floor. Instead of seeking immediate medical assistance, the couple delayed calling emergency services (119) until about 1 a.m. the following day. Prosecutors allege that the couple even fed the toddler soju poured from a medicine bottle.
A subsequent medical examination determined that the child succumbed to a brain hemorrhage caused by head trauma. In addition, the presence of multiple bruises on her body has led prosecutors to suspect a pattern of repeated abuse.
During the first trial at the Daejeon District Court, held two months after the incident, the couple acknowledged that abuse had occurred. However, they maintained that there was no intent to kill and argued that it was unclear whether the abuse directly resulted in their daughter’s death. The couple claimed that the overwhelming medical expenses incurred from caring for a premature baby had led them to question their ability to raise her.
The next court hearing is scheduled for March 20.
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