In an Atlanta murder-suicide, a Korean American dentist killed his wife and teenage daughter before taking his own life at his home in Suwanee, according to local reports and acquaintances. The man, identified as Choi, operated a dental clinic in the area.
The incident occurred on the 31st of August. Witnesses said multiple police and medical vehicles arrived at the upscale neighborhood where the family lived. The police have not yet released a detailed account of the events.
According to investigators, Choi left a note that read: “It’s hard. I’m sorry. I felt sorry for leaving my wife and daughter alone, so I left with them.” Acquaintances said he often remarked that life was difficult. Friends described him as a respected dentist among Korean Americans who was also active in community organizations.
The case has drawn added attention because of other recent incidents involving Korean Americans. In Los Angeles last month, a man in his 70s working in the jewelry business fatally shot his estranged wife and daughter during divorce proceedings before killing himself. Earlier in the same month, another Korean American man in his 70s fatally shot his live-in girlfriend and then took his own life.
The police said the Atlanta case remains under investigation, with no additional details released.
BY HANKIL KANG [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]
