Gwangju police to investigate officer over alleged destruction of evidence in son's murder case

Gwangju police began an internal probe against an officer over allegations that he destroyed critical evidence in the murder case of his son, Jang Yun-gi, who is suspected of killing a high school girl.

Because he cannot be charged under the Criminal Act, the police are investigating whether to discipline him for violating his duty to maintain dignity as an officer. 

The father allegedly cleaned out Jang's studio apartment three days after the May 8 killing and dismembered and discarded a sex doll.

Prosecutors believe Jang intended to kill the victim for the purpose of committing a sex crime, citing damage to the chest and neck areas of the sex doll that appeared to have been made with a sharp object.

The officer also burned some of his son's belongings, including an old mobile phone, after Jang's identity was publicly disclosed and the family moved to another part of South Jeolla. Prosecutors confirmed that items were discarded during a supplementary investigation after searching Jang's family home.

The officer was not booked because the Criminal Act exempts relatives from punishment for destroying evidence related to a family member.

At the time of the killing, the father was working at a local police station in a noninvestigative unit unrelated to Jang's case. He is currently on leave.

Some observers have raised concerns that an internal inspection of the officer could effectively hold a family member responsible for the suspect’s alleged crime.

“Cleaning out the studio apartment of a son who had already been arrested after evidence had been secured, and disposing of belongings while moving after his identity was disclosed, is more or less common sense,” a legal expert told Yonhap News Agency.

“I am, however, concerned that the responsibility that should be placed on Jang Yun-gi may be extended to his parents.”

Jang's next trial is scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 13 at the Gwangju District Court.

The prosecution is expected to examine evidence, including footage showing the damaged sex doll, and grill Jang on his motive.

BY JEONG JAE-HONG [[email protected]]