A Flushing man, who spent two decades as a fugitive in South Korea, has been extradited back to Queens and charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of a Long Islander in Murray Hill in 2022. This significant development brings a longawaited pursuit to a close, impacting the wider community across Queens and Long Island, including residents of Howard Beach concerned with regional public safety and justice. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the indictment of Jeongwoo Lee, 49, on charges including murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Lee was arraigned in Queens Supreme Court on Monday, July 29, 2024, after being brought back to the United States following a lengthy extradition process from South Korea, where he had been residing under a different name since fleeing the country shortly after the alleged crime. The victim, identified as Dongjoo Kim, 45, was a Long Island resident whose life was tragically cut short in what authorities describe as a brutal act of violence. The successful apprehension and extradition of Lee underscore the persistent efforts of law enforcement to bring justice, regardless of how much time has passed or how far a suspect has fled. Details of the 2022 Stabbing Incident According to the charges, the fatal incident occurred on May 27, 2022, shortly after 2:00 AM, inside an apartment building located at 14737 41st Avenue in Murray Hill, Queens. Surveillance footage allegedly captured Lee entering and exiting the building around the time of the murder. Police discovered Dongjoo Kim unresponsive in the living room of an apartment, suffering from multiple stab wounds to his chest, neck, and back. Emergency Medical Services pronounced Kim deceased at the scene. The investigation quickly identified Lee as the primary suspect, but he had already fled the jurisdiction, initiating a twoyear international manhunt. The swift identification of Lee as a suspect and the subsequent discovery of his flight highlighted the challenges of international criminal pursuit. District Attorney Katz emphasized that the Queens Homicide Bureau, in collaboration with federal and international partners, remained dedicated to the case, ensuring that Lee would eventually face justice. This commitment demonstrates a resolve to protect residents across all Queens neighborhoods, including Howard Beach, from violent crime, and to pursue perpetrators beyond geographical borders. DecadesLong Fugitive Hunt Concludes Lee's capture and extradition were the result of a protracted international investigation involving multiple agencies. After allegedly committing the murder, Lee is believed to have immediately fled to South Korea, where he successfully evaded authorities for approximately two years. The Queens District Attorney’s Office worked closely with the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of State, and South Korean authorities to locate, apprehend, and facilitate the extradition of Lee. His return to Queens marks a significant victory for international law enforcement cooperation and for the victim's family, offering a measure of closure after a prolonged period of uncertainty. Upon his return to Queens, Lee was formally processed and arraigned. He faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted. The next court date for Lee is scheduled for September 17, 2024. The case serves as a stark reminder that even after years, justice can and will be pursued, reinforcing the safety and security framework for communities like Howard Beach within the broader Long Island region. Key Points: Jeongwoo Lee, 49, a Flushing fugitive, has been charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Lee is accused of fatally stabbing Dongjoo Kim, 45, a Long Islander, in Murray Hill in May 2022. He fled to South Korea shortly after the incident and was extradited back to Queens after two decades on the lam. The Queens District Attorney's office spearheaded the international pursuit and extradition. Lee faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
