- By Shivangi Sharma
- Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:29 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A New Zealand court has convicted Hakyung Lee, 45, of killing her two young children and storing their bodies in suitcases for years, a horror case that has stunned the country. The remains of Yuna Jo, 8, and Minu Jo, 6, were found in suitcases bought at a storage facility auction in Auckland in August 2022. The children are believed to have died three to four years earlier by the time their remains were discovered. The finding left the community stunned and launched a police inquiry that later found Hakyung Lee to be the mother of the dead children.
Trial And Verdict
Lee, a New Zealand citizen born in South Korea, was extradited from South Korea in 2022. She defended herself at Auckland High Court but did little speaking during the trial, with only two standby lawyers to assist her. A jury deliberated for only two hours after a trial of around two weeks before convicting Lee on two counts of double murder, dismissing her lawyers' plea of insanity.
The killings took place months following the death of Lee's husband, Ian Jo, from cancer in 2017. Lee's defence had claimed she had descended into depression and suicidal thoughts and that in her state of mind believed she was morally justified in killing her children.
Evidence Presented
A pathologist officially established that the children had been killed by homicide using unspecified methods, including antidepressant Nortriptyline. Prosecutors pointed out that Lee had picked up a prescription for the drug in August 2017 just after her husband was diagnosed with cancer.
At the trial, it was argued by the prosecution that Lee's actions were premeditated. They cited her attempts to hide the bodies and flight to South Korea as proof of her sane mind and intent. "Ms Lee intentionally, and of sound mind, intentionally killed Minu and Yuna and the correct verdict is guilty of murder," prosecutor Natalie Walker stated in her final submission.
Legal Implications
Murder in New Zealand is a mandatory life sentence, with the judges having to impose a minimum term of 10 years before an offender is eligible to seek parole. Justice Geoffrey Venning remanded Lee in custody until November 26, when she will be sentenced.
On the opening of the trial on September 8, Venning permitted Lee to observe proceedings in another room because of the upsetting nature of the case. She then reappeared at the dock for the verdict, standing with head bowed and hair over her face, according to New Zealand media.