A New Zealand woman, Hakyung Lee, has been sentenced to at least 17 years in prison for the murder of her two young children, whose bodies were concealed in suitcases for years. The sentencing took place on Wednesday at the Auckland High Court, where Justice Geoffrey Venning ordered that Lee begin her sentence in a locked psychiatric facility, transitioning to prison once her mental health improves.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the harrowing details and the legal arguments surrounding Lee’s mental health. Lee was found guilty in September of murdering her six-year-old daughter, Minu Jo, and eight-year-old son, Yuna Jo. Despite her defense claiming insanity, the jury rejected this argument, leading to her conviction.
Details of the Crime
Justice Venning highlighted the calculated nature of Lee’s actions, noting that her behavior was deliberate and organized. “Your actions were organized and considered over a number of days,” he stated, referencing Lee’s preparation, which included a name change, purchasing a suitcase, and tidying her affairs before fleeing to South Korea.
The tragic discovery of the children’s remains occurred in 2022 when Lee defaulted on rental payments for a storage unit, leading to an auction of its contents. The buyers made the grim discovery of the bodies inside the suitcases. Lee had already left New Zealand, having flown to South Korea on a business class ticket.
Legal and Psychological Perspectives
During the trial, Lee’s legal team argued for leniency due to her mental health struggles. Lawyer Lorraine Smith described Lee’s descent into madness, exacerbated by the death of her husband, who had been diagnosed with cancer in 2017. Smith emphasized Lee’s longstanding fragility and the impact of her mental illness.
However, Crown Solicitor Natalie Walker presented evidence suggesting that Lee’s actions were intentional, possibly motivated by a desire to escape the responsibilities of single parenthood. Walker asserted that Lee’s condition was likely a major depressive disorder or grief disorder, but this did not absolve her of responsibility.
“Her most likely diagnosis was that she suffered from a major depressive disorder or grief disorder,” Walker stated.
The judge’s decision to impose a 17-year minimum sentence reflects the severity of the crime and the breach of trust involved, as Lee was the sole surviving parent.
Family Impact and Community Reaction
The sentencing has left a profound impact on the family and community. A statement from the children’s uncle, Jimmy Sei Wook Jo, expressed deep sorrow and a sense of personal failure for not protecting his niece and nephew. Meanwhile, Lee’s mother, Choon Ja Lee, shared her devastation and the social stigma she faces, being labeled as the “mother of a murderer” in her community.
“It felt like a pain that cut through my bones, or as if someone was gouging out my chest,” Choon Ja Lee lamented.
She expressed regret for not seeking psychological help for her daughter earlier, pondering whether such intervention could have prevented the tragedy.
International Cooperation and Future Implications
New Zealand police have acknowledged the assistance of South Korean authorities in the investigation, underscoring the international cooperation involved in bringing Lee to justice. Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Va’aelua reflected on the loss of the two children, who would have been 16 and 13 years old today, and extended condolences to the family.
The case highlights ongoing debates about mental health and criminal responsibility, particularly in cases involving severe mental illness. It also raises questions about the support systems available to individuals struggling with mental health issues and the potential for intervention before tragedies occur.
As Lee begins her sentence, the broader community continues to grapple with the implications of the case, both in terms of legal precedents and the societal obligations to support mental health.
