Investigators are facing scrutiny for allegedly failing to examine crucial evidence, including phone records, during the initial stages of the investigation into the Jang Yun-gi case, a high-profile murder investigation. The shortcomings were reportedly uncovered during a supplementary investigation by prosecutors.
Initial Investigation Lapses Alleged
Sources indicate that the police, who first handled the case of Jang Yun-gi, 23, suspected of murder and attempted rape, did not request a year’s worth of his mobile phone call logs. This oversight came to light as prosecutors conducted their follow-up investigation after receiving the case from the police.
A current prosecutor commented on the situation, stating, “Checking a suspect’s communication records is a fundamental part of any criminal investigation.” The prosecutor added, “This suggests the police mishandled the case from the beginning.”
Prosecutors Uncover Deeper Evidence
After taking over the Jang Yun-gi case, prosecutors expanded their investigation significantly. They examined not only Jang’s phone records but also his financial transaction history for the past three years and obtained dashcam footage from vehicles near the crime scene. This comprehensive review led to Jang being indicted on charges of aggravated murder, not simple homicide.
Further details have emerged regarding interactions between a police officer, who is also Jang’s father, and the investigation team. Reports suggest the father communicated with the team multiple times and provided testimony.
Minister of Justice Cites 11 Supplementary Investigations
During a parliamentary judiciary committee meeting on the 8th, Minister of Justice Jeong Seong-ho addressed the Jang Yun-gi case. He stated, “There were as many as 11 items that needed supplementary investigation by the prosecution because they were not properly handled at the police level.” This statement underscores the extent of the alleged deficiencies in the initial police inquiry.
Police Investigation Criticized for Omissions
The Gwangsan Police Station in Gwangju initially charged Jang with simple homicide and sent the case to the Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office just nine days after the incident occurred on May 14th. However, prosecutors summoned Jang four times and conducted additional searches, including his vehicle, recovering a dashcam SD card that the police had failed to secure.
The SD card, found hidden inside a toolbox in the trunk of Jang’s SUV, contained a recording of a conversation where Jang’s acquaintance told him, “If you had lived as you usually speak, you would already be a sex offender.” This crucial piece of evidence helped prosecutors establish that Jang had attempted sexual assault before committing the murder.
The police had searched Jang’s vehicle but reportedly missed the SD card. They also overlooked bloodstains found on the steering wheel and returned the vehicle without collecting the evidence. This alleged negligence led to the detention of investigation team leader Park for tampering with evidence.
Analysis of Communication Records and Dashcam Footage
Prosecutors specifically analyzed a year’s worth of Jang’s mobile phone records to understand his contacts, movements before and after the crime, and communications. A lawyer specializing in violent crimes noted, “Communication records are the first step in investigating the motive and background of a crime.” The lawyer emphasized, “Even if the suspect confessed, checking the communication logs should have been the initial step.”
Additionally, prosecutors re-examined other evidence collected by the police. The dashcam footage from the victim’s vehicle and road surveillance cameras, which the police had deemed too low quality for clear identification, was enhanced by the Digital Forensics Center. This improved footage revealed Jang’s vehicle with its rear door open and Jang attempting to force the victim into his car. This contradicted Jang’s claim of an impulsive act, instead pointing to a premeditated attempt at sexual assault followed by murder when the victim resisted.
Prosecutors also conducted digital forensics on Jang’s mobile phone and interviewed three of his close acquaintances. Psychological analysis of Jang’s statements suggested his claim of acting impulsively after deciding to commit suicide was not credible.
Details of the Crime Emerge
On June 2nd, prosecutors indicted Jang on charges of aggravated murder. According to the indictment, on May 4th around 11:58 PM, Jang, driving his SUV, encountered the victim, a female student, in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju. Prosecutors believe he decided to sexually assault her at that point.
Jang followed the victim for approximately 1.2 kilometers, stopping his car or getting out four times to observe her movements. At around 12:10 AM on May 5th, he abducted the victim and forced her into his vehicle. The victim reportedly resisted and pleaded for her life.
To avoid being heard, Jang dragged the victim to a blind spot next to a large truck and committed the assault. Jang also faces charges related to stalking and attempted sexual assault of a Vietnamese woman he had known since 2024.
Police Announce Measures to Prevent Recurrence
In response to the case, the National Police Agency announced the establishment of a ‘Police Investigation Trust Restoration TF’ and an internal ‘Internal Affairs Investigation Team’ to prevent similar incidents in the future.
