Authorities in Johns Creek, Georgia, are investigating the deaths of a Korean American family after police confirmed a dentist killed his wife and teenage daughter before taking his own life. Investigators said the case appears to be a domestic-related murder-suicide and ruled out outside intrusion.
At about 4:14 p.m. on August 31, police discovered three bodies inside a residence on Glen Castle Court while conducting a welfare check. The victims were identified as James Choi (Juncheol Choi, 52), his wife Myoung Choi (52), and their daughter Grace Choi (15). Authorities confirmed James Choi as the suspect but declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation.
Mark J. Mitchell, Chief of the Johns Creek Police Department, called the case “a tragic incident” that has left the surviving family, neighbors, and the wider community in deep sorrow. The news has also stunned the local Korean American community, where the Choi family was well known. The couple operated Highland Dental in Suwanee and frequently took part in volunteer work. James Choi immigrated to Atlanta during high school, earned his dental degree from the University of Tennessee in Memphis, and specialized in cosmetic dentistry and implants. All three were U.S. citizens.
The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Atlanta said on September 2 that it had not yet received official notification of the deaths. Colleagues described James Choi as a respected dentist who ran his practice for 20 years, while his wife worked as the clinic manager. Staff members said they were told not to make any external comments following the tragedy.
Friends and relatives said the couple had recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary and hosted a birthday party for their daughter on August 24. A family member recalled that James Choi volunteered with the Gerogia Youth Association, while his wife was remembered as warm and kind. “It’s hard to believe something like this could happen,” the relative said.
Beyond his dental practice, James Choi served as an advisor to the The Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, participated in a Korean American motorcycle club, and previously held the role of secretary general at the Georgia Korean American Dental Association. Acquaintances remembered him as devoted to his family and financially secure, noting that he owned five motorcycles, multiple cars, and both his home and clinic outright. One longtime friend said he had considered retiring within three to five years but planned to continue working while his daughter was in high school.
Although speculation has circulated about family conflict, financial stress, or depression, the Johns Creek Police Department urged the public and media to avoid spreading unverified claims. Authorities said the investigation into the Atlanta Korean American dentist murder-suicide remains active.
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
