A murder suspect from California, who has been on the run for nearly ten years, was returned to the U.S. this week after hiding in Laos, more than 13,000 miles away.
Kim Myung-jin, 31, was taken into custody in Laos back in May and arrived in Los Angeles on Wednesday to face charges related to two separate murders, as stated by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
Authorities suspect that Kim was behind a murder-for-hire scheme aimed at a San Jose man in 2016. Unfortunately—though, maybe that’s the wrong word here—the plan appears to have gone awry when the hitman ended up killing the wrong target.
Subsequent investigations revealed indicators that the shooting was a deliberate act carried out by Kim, leading to a warrant for his arrest. But, by that point, he had vanished.
Fast forward two years: while on bail in Orange County for drug charges, Kim allegedly became involved in another incident.
Prosecutors claim he shot and killed his friend, Christian Kim, outside a CVS store in Westminster in 2018 during a money dispute. Reports say he fired six shots before fleeing the scene.
Another murder warrant was issued, but once again, authorities couldn’t pin him down.
As detectives delved into the murders in Westminster, they also linked Kim to the 2016 case, leading to additional charges like murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder.
Finally, in December, the authorities tracked him down in Laos, prompting a coordinated effort among multiple agencies to bring him back to face justice.
After being arrested in May under suspicion of using fake travel documents, he was flown back into LAX on June 9.
“Even though he was on the other side of the world, Mr. Kim’s despicable acts of violence have finally caught up with him,” remarked Patrick Grundy, assistant director of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office.
Meanwhile, San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph expressed pride in his detectives, stating they “never gave up on this case.” His team received exceptional support from other law enforcement agencies that helped bring the suspect back.
Westminster Police Chief Darrin Rennie affirmed, “If you come to our city and commit murder or any other serious crime, we will track you down and arrest you.” He emphasized that they would pursue fugitives relentlessly, regardless of how far they try to run.
Currently, Kim is being held in Santa Clara County and is expected to face murder charges there before being sent to Orange County for the killing of his friend. Notably, he is the first fugitive to be extradited to the United States from Laos, according to officials.
