The mother of a teenager who died from severe abuse at the hands of a church’s members has urged the court not to punish her daughter’s killers.
The 52-year-old mother, “A,” testified in a court hearing at the Incheon District Court on Monday, September 2, and stated that she was “thankful” to the defendants, who stand accused of killing her 17-year-old daughter. She also mentioned that the defendants never coerced her into sending her daughter to the church.
The defendants, the 52-year-old choir leader “B” and two other members, are currently on trial for alleged child abuse resulting in death. “A” has also been charged with child negligence. In her initial statement to the police, “A” had stated that “B,” who is also the daughter of the church’s founder, had offered to take in her daughter when she started suffering from symptoms of bipolar disorder. But “A” switched her statement in the court, saying she didn’t recall ever receiving such an offer.
The church members reportedly discouraged “A” from sending her daughter to a psychological facility, citing the possibility of sexual abuse. She was instead sent to the church, where she was subjected to severe abuse for three months until she passed away on May 15. The prosecution’s report showed that the choir leader had instructed the other two members to “break” the victim if she didn’t comply with their instructions.
Despite the victim’s repeated pleas to be sent to a psychological facility, the church members continued to abuse her. Her body was eventually found with both hands bound and numerous bruises on her body. You can read more about the shocking report here.
Source: Seoul Shinmun
