RIVER EDGE, N.J. — A River Edge woman has pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless manslaughter in the death of her 3-month-old son, a case that revealed signs of prolonged abuse, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
Sun Min Grace Yoo Chan — also known as Grace Chan or Grace Yoo Chan — admitted in November to causing the infant’s death and is now facing a five-year prison sentence as part of a plea agreement.
Authorities responded to the family’s home on March 29, 2022, after paramedics found the baby unresponsive. The child was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
An autopsy later revealed the infant had suffered multiple traumatic injuries, including a skull fracture, brain hemorrhaging, and numerous broken bones in his ribs, legs, and arms. Some injuries were fresh, while others were healing, leading investigators to suspect ongoing abuse.
Chan was arrested two months later in May 2022 and originally charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and child endangerment before agreeing to plead guilty to the lesser charge.
Key points
- Grace Chan pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless manslaughter in her infant son’s death.
- The child suffered extensive and repeated injuries, according to an autopsy.
- Chan faces a five-year prison term under a plea deal reached with prosecutors.
Signs of abuse revealed through autopsy
Prosecutors said the medical examination provided evidence of sustained physical trauma over time, with both recent and healing injuries discovered throughout the child’s body.
Chan’s guilty plea to second-degree reckless manslaughter significantly reduced her original charges, which included first-degree murder. The terms of the plea deal recommend a five-year sentence, although final sentencing will be determined by the court.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office has not released further comment on the plea agreement or sentencing timeline.
Chan remains in custody pending formal sentencing.
