Hawaii Korean murder indictment authorities announced that a 79-year-old Korean man has been charged in connection with the death of his wife on Hawaii’s Big Island.
According to the Hawaii County Prosecutor’s Office, a grand jury on June 23 indicted Jong Man Kim (79), a resident of Kurtistown on the Big Island, on charges of killing his wife, Yong Cha Kim, who was 71 at the time of her death.
Prosecutors allege that Kim intentionally killed his spouse and have filed a second-degree murder charge. Under Hawaii law, a conviction for second-degree murder carries the possibility of life imprisonment with the possibility of parole.
Details of the Hawaii Korean Murder Indictment
The case stems from an incident reported on June 20, 2024, at the couple’s residence in Mountain View on Hawaii Island.
Kim initially contacted police, reporting that he had found his wife unresponsive on the kitchen floor of their home. When officers arrived, investigators observed that the house appeared disheveled, and Kim had suspicious injuries on his body, according to police.
Further examination by the medical examiner revealed that the victim may have died at least two days before Kim contacted authorities.
An autopsy later determined that the cause of death was strangulation, prompting investigators to classify the case as a homicide.
Arrest, Bail and Next Court Date
Following the investigation, Kim was arrested on June 24 by the Hawaii Police Department.
A judge set bail at $1.5 million and ordered Kim to surrender his passport as part of the conditions for release.
His next court hearing is scheduled for Aug. 10.
Defense attorneys argued that Kim is a 79-year-old retiree with no prior arrests and has lived in Hawaii for more than 40 years, requesting a reduction in bail or supervised release.
However, prosecutors opposed the request, citing a potential flight risk. They told the court that Kim has frequently traveled between the United States and South Korea and owns two properties, one of which has already been sold while the other is currently in the process of being sold.
Authorities say the Hawaii Korean murder indictment remains under court review as the criminal proceedings continue.
