(October 23, 2001) -- Specifically crediting the assistance of the community, LBPD announced the arrest of two suspects in the slaying of two brothers at their NLB business, less than a month after the brutal double murder that shocked and angered the public.
Police said that as a result of community assistance, LBPD homicide detectives were able to identify both suspects.
In a written release, LBPD said its detectives received information that 21 year old Fred Wilson III of Bellflower, who may have been involved in the crimes, had been taken into custody on October 4 on an unrelated parole violation.
On October 22, a second suspect, 21 year old David Jonathan Harris of LB, was arrested without incident in Bakersfield. Police said a weapon was recovered at time of this arrest although the weapon has not yet been linked to the crimes.
On October 11, LBPD released, and LBReport.com posted on our web site, a digitalized color security cam photo that police say was taken just before the crime occurred. The photo was also published in other LB media.
48 year old Kyung Sun Kim of Fullerton and his brother, 44 year old Kyung Min Kim of Cerritos were fatally shot at their liquor store and co-owned fish market in the 6100 block of LB Blvd. Police say Kyung Sun Kim was shot when the suspects tried to enter a secured area behind the counter. His brother, Kyung Min Kim, was shot while chasing the suspects. Both men died at a local hospital.
Following the crimes, two candlelight vigils arranged by members of the community were held at the brothers' business. At the October 2 City Council meeting, NLB activist Dave San Jose publicly likened the crime to a terrorist attack. "These were urban terrorists [who] murdered for greed," he said.
Following Mr. San Jose's comments, 9th district Councilman Jerry Shultz praised the two murdered brothers as "gentlemen [who] worked long, hard hours to make their business thrive. And it was a good business there on Long Beach Blvd. And they were involved in the neighborhood, and they were the type of businessmen that we'd like to see all over this city."
LBPD said its investigators have gathered enough evidence to seek murder and robbery charges on both suspects with the District Attorney's LB office. An arraignment date will be determined.
Police ask anyone with information about these crimes to contact homicide detectives Stephen Jones or Scott Lasch at (562) 570-7244.