A South Korean-born New Zealand woman received a life sentence for the murders of her two young children. Authorities sentenced Hakyung Lee to at least 17 years behind bars before parole eligibility. Justice Geoffrey Venning delivered the verdict at the High Court in Auckland.
Lee murdered her daughters, Yuna Jo, aged 8, and Minu Jo, aged 6, by mixing prescription anti-depressant medication into their orange juice. She then concealed their bodies in suitcases and stored them in a unit in Auckland. A family discovered the remains in August 2022 after purchasing abandoned luggage at an auction.
Following the killings, Lee fled to South Korea. Officials extradited her back to New Zealand in 2023 to face charges. A jury found her guilty of two counts of murder in September, rejecting her insanity defense.
During the sentencing, Justice Venning noted Lee's mental health struggles after her husband's death from cancer. He ordered her to begin the sentence in a mental health facility. The judge described the crimes as callous and premeditated.
This case, known as the "suitcase murders," shocked New Zealand and drew international attention. Police praised the investigation that led to Lee's conviction.
The New Zealand Police issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to child protection. "This tragic case highlights the importance of community vigilance," said a spokesperson.
Family members of the victims expressed relief at the sentencing but mourned the loss. Support groups for mental health advocated for better resources to prevent such incidents.