The second trial of Jang Yoon-ki, who has been charged with the murder of a high school girl he did not know, is set to take place. Attention is on whether Jang will confess to the motive behind the crime in light of crucial evidence secured by prosecutors.
According to legal sources on July 12, the 13th Criminal Division of the Gwangju District Court, presided over by Judge Lee Jeong-ho, will conduct the second hearing for Jang, who is charged with 'murder with intent to commit sexual violence' under the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes, on the morning of July 13.
During the first hearing, Jang's defense team postponed a detailed statement regarding the evidence presented by the prosecution, citing that they had not reviewed the contents of the vehicle's black box footage. This footage was initially undisclosed during the early stages of the police investigation because it was hidden in the trunk of Jang's vehicle, but it was later obtained by prosecutors after a supplementary investigation.
In the second hearing, the court will also address the admissibility of additional evidence submitted by the prosecution, including a forensic report on a 'real doll' that prosecutors believe indicates a sexual motive for the murder, as well as evidence related to the use of cable ties as a means of abduction.
Previously, police discovered a real doll, an adult product, in Jang's apartment during the investigation. The doll was found to have been damaged, raising suspicions of a murder motivated by sexual intent. Additionally, cable ties, suspected to be used for abducting the victim, were initially found in the vehicle but were later recovered by prosecutors from the home of Jang's father, who had received the vehicle from the police.
The case has sparked controversy as allegations have emerged that Jang's father, a police officer, and other staff at his police station attempted to downplay and conceal the incident.
Recently, Jang's father, a police lieutenant, was investigated for evidence destruction. He reportedly stated to the investigation team that after receiving his son's apartment address, front door password, and SUV details, he felt compelled to quickly dispose of the items.
Furthermore, the National Investigation Headquarters of the National Police Agency expanded its investigation into the case, conducting searches at the Gwangju Police Agency's chief office on July 11. The special investigation team is reportedly focusing on why the opinions of on-site investigators, who believed that 'murder with intent to commit sexual violence' should be applied to Jang, were not reflected in the final investigation results.
In relation to this case, Acting Police Chief Yoo Jae-sung returned from an overseas trip to issue a public apology on July 10.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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