Murderer of Seattle Korean Bus Driver Was a Freed Undocumented Felon

A man accused of killing Shawn Yim (59), a Korean American Metro bus driver in Seattle, has been confirmed as an undocumented immigrant with a violent criminal history according to The Post Millennial. The attack occurred December 2024 in the University District, when Richard Sitzlack (53), who appeared homeless, pepper-sprayed the driver and then stabbed him. Federal immigration authorities recently stated that Sitzlack is a Venezuelan national living in the United States illegally.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged an immigration detainer request with King County for Sitzlack. ICE said repeatedly releasing violent undocumented offenders endangers local communities and added that it will begin removal proceedings immediately if the request is honored, describing the action as the minimum step needed to prevent additional crimes.

Sitzlack had been arrested in 2023 on suspicion of killing his roommate but was released after 72 hours. He claimed the roommate tried to evict him and attacked him with a machete, leading him to stab in self-defense. Police reported inconsistencies in his statement but said evidence was insufficient to rebut his claim and file further charges. Records also show a 2012 incident in King County involving assault and unlawful weapon use.

Community criticism has intensified, with residents arguing that Yim’s death could have been prevented had Sitzlack been separated from the public and monitored properly. Cory Han of APIC said violent undocumented offenders are not being managed adequately and urged a broad review of relevant systems and increased government responsibility for public safety. He added that no additional lives should be lost.

Sitzlack is currently charged with second-degree murder and third-degree assault, and a judge has set his bail at $5 million.

Separately, on November 14, another fatal incident involving an undocumented immigrant occurred in Orange County. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Sheriff’s Department, Humberto Muñoz Gatica (57), a Mexican national living in the U.S. illegally, struck and killed Barry William Tett (71) while driving under the influence and fled the scene. Authorities arrested Muñoz Gatica based on witness reports and charged him with hit-and-run and DUI. DHS expressed concern that so-called sanctuary policies protecting undocumented immigrants risk the safety of local residents.

BY HANKIL KANG [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]