The former head of the criminal division at Gwangju Gwangsan Police Station, who oversaw the investigation into "Gwangju high school girl killer" Jang Yun-gi, denied allegations of a botched investigation as he appeared for a pre-arrest suspect interrogation (warrant review).
Inspector A arrived at the Gwangju District Court at about 10:30 a.m. on the 21st. When reporters asked, "Is there anything you feel is unfair?" and "Do you admit to a botched investigation?" Inspector A said, "There were no improper orders from higher-ups or from me during the investigation."
Inspector A, however, said, "I am sorry to the victim's bereaved family," and added, "We tried to uncover the substance of the case, but I am sorry that controversy over a botched investigation arose as a result."
Choi Yun-young, Gwangju District Court warrant judge, conducted the warrant review for Inspector A, who is accused of abuse of authority interfering with the exercise of rights and dereliction of duty. The warrant review, which began at 11 a.m., ended after about 1 hour and 35 minutes. Inspector A did not answer any questions as he moved to a police transport vehicle after the review.
Inspector A's legal representative said, "There was guidance from the National Office of Investigation (NOI) of the Korean National Police Agency for separating the sexual assault crimes and the murder case involving Jang Yun-gi, which are now at issue."
They added, "We thought consolidating the cases would help determine whether the killing was carried out for the purpose of a sex crime. From May 6, the day after the incident, we formally proposed consolidation three times over five days, but it was not accepted."
In response to the question, "From the early stage to the conclusion of the case, did the National Office of Investigation (NOI) effectively direct the investigation?" Inspector A's legal representative said, "That is why we feel extremely wronged."
Inspector A is accused of poorly directing the investigation while overseeing the Jang Yun-gi case in May. Police sent Jang to the prosecution on a general murder charge, and the prosecution, through a supplementary investigation, indicted him on charges including rape and murder.
Inspector A is also accused of dereliction of duty as the lead investigator by not investigating Jang Yun-gi's sex crimes and stalking case together and instead separating and turning them over to another department.
Whether a detention warrant will be issued for Inspector A is expected to be decided late at night on the same day.