Home / Crime and Justice / Fugitive Killer Nabbed in Laos After Decade on the Run
Fugitive Killer Nabbed in Laos After Decade on the Run
13 Jun
Summary
- Suspect captured in Laos, 8,000 miles from US.
- Accused in two murders, including a plot gone awry.
- First fugitive returned to US from Laos by authorities.
A suspected California killer, Myung Jin Kim, 31, was extradited from Laos to Los Angeles this week, ending a nearly decade-long flight from justice. Kim faces charges for two separate murders.
Authorities allege Kim was involved in a 2016 murder-for-hire plot that targeted a San Jose man, but the intended victim's friend was killed instead. While out on bail for drug charges two years later, Kim is accused of shooting his friend, Christian Kim, outside a Westminster CVS in 2018 over a financial dispute.
After evading capture for years, Kim was located in Laos in December and arrested in May for using fraudulent travel documents. He was returned to Los Angeles on June 9. Officials hailed the operation, noting Kim is the first wanted fugitive to be returned to the United States from Laos. Kim is currently in custody awaiting trial in Santa Clara County before facing charges in Orange County.
