New Zealand trial starts for suspect in suitcase murder case
Hakyung Lee, extradited from South Korea, pleads not guilty to killing two children whose bodies were found in suitcases.
Trial Opens in Auckland
A woman now standing trial in New Zealand is accused of murdering her two young children and hiding their remains in suitcases. Hakyung Lee, 44, was extradited from South Korea in November 2022 and denies two charges of murder.
In August 2022, a family who bought the contents of an abandoned storage unit at an auction in Auckland discovered the children’s bodies inside luggage. Authorities believe the remains had been stored for several years.
Background of the Case
Lee, a New Zealand citizen born in South Korea, lived in Auckland before returning to her birth country in 2018. The children’s father died of cancer in 2017, and reports suggest the children, aged between six and ten at their deaths, died sometime thereafter. Their identities remain under suppression orders.
Interpol issued a red notice for Lee after the discovery. She was arrested in Ulsan, South Korea, in September 2022 and later extradited.
Authorities say this case exposes serious gaps in monitoring abandoned storage units and highlights the tragic consequences of unreported family crises.
This topic was reported by BBC.
Explore useful articles in World News as of 08-09-2025. The article titled " New Zealand trial starts for suspect in suitcase murder case " offers in-depth analysis and practical advice in the World News field. Each article is carefully crafted by experts to provide maximum value to readers.
The " New Zealand trial starts for suspect in suitcase murder case " article expands your knowledge in World News, keeps you informed about the latest developments, and helps you make well-informed decisions. Each article is based on unique content, ensuring originality and quality.