A 45-year-old Palmdale man pleaded guilty Wednesday to killing his ex-wife and four others then setting a Quartz Hill home on fire during a bloody rampage in 2008, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.
Jae Shim pleaded guilty to the first-degree murders of his ex-wife, Jenny Young Park, 34; her daughter, Jamie, 13; her son, Justin, 11; her relative, Joseph Ciganek, 60; and her boyfriend, Si Young Yoon, 34.
Shim also pleaded guilty to arson of an inhabited structure.
In addition, Shim admitted the special circumstances of lying in wait and multiple murders and that he personally used a Samurai sword and baseball bat to stab and beat the victims to death on June 23, 2008. [Read more on the circumstances behind the murders in a 2008 LA Times article here.]
Shim’s plea before Superior Court Judge Larry Fidler Wednesday was in exchange for prosecutors agreeing not to seek the death penalty against Shim if he agrees to testify completely and truthfully against co-defendant Steve Kwon.
As part of his plea, Shim provided information that led authorities to the remains of Si Young Yoon, who had been missing since June 23, 2008. His remains were discovered in December in Mexico.
Shim is facing five consecutive life without the possibility of parole terms when he returns for possible sentencing on May 5.
Kwon, 44, is awaiting trial on five counts of capital murder, one count of arson of an inhabited structure and one count of accessory after the fact. He returns to court on April 2 for pretrial. If convicted, Kwon is facing life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman with the Major Crimes Division is prosecuting the case.
The case was investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
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Hmmm says
Congrats California tax payers, youll now be paying for his costs for his natural lifetime. His housing and meals, medical aid, clothing, transportation, etc… Thanks to weak da’s.. This will keep happening, until the last of the taxpayers leave California/newest mexico…
JRTorralba says
Those suspects are ultra-nationalists and communist since they both Korean.
Who they came from? South or North??
Shirley says
I knew one of the victims, Jamie she was a kind and gentle soul. It makes me cry every time I think about what she and her family went through. I wish these two only the worst, I hope they die a painful death in prison.
CB says
I wonder if child molesters, like Si, and murderers, like Shim, are allowed to hang out together in hell? It would be great to see the look on Shim’s face when Satan asks Si to “show him around.”
Star says
I think you may think you know Si Young Yoon but let me tell you this……. He was NOT a child molester!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I knew Si since I was a little girl & I remember him very well indeed & I NEVER once saw or heard anyone complain that he “molested” him/her/them. Even my parents trusted me alone with him cause he was like family to us. No matter what I will never let people damage his good name! ESPECIALLY when it’s from someone like you who doesn’t even know him like I did. Besides Si was a very wonderful man who did not in any way shape or form deserve to die in such a way as he did. Si was such a sweet man who just wanted to teach others how to defend themselves from evil people such as his own cousin & the friend of his cousin. I will ALWAYS stick up for Si as he stood by me for many years. R.I.P. Master Si ( Si Young Yoon) I love you so much.
Alice Kamel says
I will always remember Si Young Yoon, he was the sweetest person I have ever met
I am sure he is gone to Heaven no matter how he went…May God give his family peace
…Memory Eternal but as far as the murderer, May God show His justice to all of us on
him( he does not deserve to live)
Norwood says
And the D A ‘s motivation was???
Bob says
Thank the liberals!
lucy says
what are you thinking!
callitasitis says
It is about time, this is another case that has dragged on for 8 years. Chopping the adults and children to pieces. It is too bad it will take another 25 years before this monster gets his date with justice. He will be 69 old years “IF” it happens at all.
RANDYLXIX says
What are you talking about ? He took the deal, life without parole. The death penalty is off the table. He will never get out .