Taiwan, October 18: A popular parenting influencer in Taiwan, known for portraying herself as a caring mother of five, has been charged with the abuse and murder of a two-year-old boy under her care. The woman, surnamed Sung, from Kaohsiung, allegedly killed the child after a week of repeated abuse.

On June 6, the boy lost consciousness and began vomiting after being severely beaten during a bath. Sung rushed him to the hospital, but he was declared dead from severe injuries, including skull fractures and brain haemorrhage, reported SCMP. Forensic examinations revealed 15 injuries, with some inflicted by a club and a shoehorn. ‘Sex Camp’ in China: ‘Sex Appeal’ Training Camp by Sex Appeal Academy Allegedly Charges USD 420 To Teach Women Art of Seduction, Discourage Their Husbands From Cheating.

Sung had been entrusted with the boy's care by his father, a soldier, after his wife's death. Sung had presented herself as a devoted parent, regularly sharing photos and experiences with her five children on social media. Convinced by her online persona, the boy's father, who was also a soldier, paid her NT$30,000 (USD 930) a month for child care since February. Sung had a home care license in 2022 but canceled it in March, though she continued to care for the boy. China: Woman Fakes Multiple Miscarriages, Forges Medical Documents to Claim INR 7.8 Lakh Insurance.

A surveillance camera in Sung's home captured the abusive acts, showing her repeatedly hitting the child on the head with a shoehorn, knocking him against the wall, and throwing him into the bathtub, which ultimately led to his death.

Prosecutors have charged Sung with child abuse and murder, seeking a heavy sentence that could result in a minimum of 10 years imprisonment or life behind bars. The Kaohsiung Social Affairs Bureau has sent Sung's five children to live with relatives and will conduct regular home visits to ensure their safety.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 18, 2024 04:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).