In connection with the case of a 3-year-old child who died after a head injury in Yangju, Gyeonggi, the biological father was handed over to prosecutors while detained.
The Gyeonggi Northern Provincial Police Agency said on the 17th that it referred a man in his 20s, A, to the prosecution under arrest on charges of child abuse resulting in death. A is accused of causing the death of his 47-month-old son, identified as B.
Police conducted a forensic examination of the couple A's cellphones and, through the secured messenger conversations and other data, confirmed indications of prolonged physical abuse.
B was taken to a hospital on the afternoon of the 9th and underwent surgery, but did not regain consciousness and died on the 14th.
An initial verbal opinion from a National Forensic Service autopsy said, "It appears the death was caused by head trauma." Traces of intestinal bleeding that appear to have occurred long ago were also found.
However, further investigation is needed to determine whether B's head injury was due to prolonged physical abuse or a one-time assault on the 9th.
Police plan to investigate the case of the biological mother, identified as C, separately and then refer it. Police are also leaving open the possibility of changing the charges to child abuse-murder if intent to kill emerges during additional investigation.