Jacksonville Beauty Supply Case: Final Suspect Arrested 19 Months After Korean American Store Owner’s Death
Jacksonville Beauty Supply Case reached a major milestone after authorities arrested the final suspect nearly 19 months after a Korean American beauty supply store owner was fatally struck while pursuing shoplifting suspects in Jacksonville, Florida.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) announced on July 14 that it had arrested Darrell Beauford, 47, on July 8 on charges including leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a valid license. Authorities identified Beauford as the driver who allegedly struck and killed Ilson Kim, 64, the owner of Beauty Max, during the December 2024 incident before fleeing the scene.
Jacksonville Beauty Supply Case: How the Fatal Incident Unfolded
According to investigators, three suspects arrived at Beauty Max with the intent to steal merchandise on the day of the incident. While accomplices David Pulliam and Tashina Dobbins entered the store, Beauford remained behind the wheel of a vehicle parked in a handicapped parking space.
After spending approximately 19 minutes inside the store, Pulliam allegedly stole five wigs and ran back to the waiting vehicle. Kim reportedly chased the suspects to prevent their escape and approached the driver’s side of the vehicle.
Investigators said Beauford pushed Kim away before reversing out of the parking lot. During the maneuver, Kim was struck by the vehicle. Beauford allegedly fled the scene without stopping to render aid.
Driver Initially Denied Hitting Anyone
Following his arrest, Beauford reportedly claimed he was unaware that he had struck anyone. However, investigators said he later admitted feeling the vehicle’s front tire hit something and acknowledged that he had been driving at the time of the incident.
Surveillance footage captured Kim lying on the ground while bystanders rushed to assist her. The video also showed Beauford driving away without stopping. Investigators said Dobbins also left the scene without attempting to help the victim.
Investigation Led to Arrest 19 Months Later
Police quickly identified Pulliam and Dobbins through surveillance footage and public tips shortly after the incident.
During questioning, Dobbins provided investigators with the driver’s contact information. Detectives later traced cellphone records and officially identified Beauford as the driver in January 2026.
Authorities said Beauford had an extensive history of driving with a suspended license, with at least nine prior offenses dating back to 2004. At the time of the crash, his driver’s license had reportedly been suspended due to unpaid child support.
Beauford’s bond has been set at $500,000, and his first court appearance is scheduled for July 30.
Accomplices Already Convicted
Pulliam and Dobbins had previously been convicted on theft-related charges. Dobbins received a five-year prison sentence, while Pulliam was also sentenced to prison.
With Beauford’s arrest, the Jacksonville Beauty Supply Case has now resulted in all three suspects facing criminal accountability nearly 19 months after the fatal incident.
Remembering Ilson Kim
Kim was born in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, as the youngest of five siblings. She immigrated to the United States in 1986 and lived in New York before relocating to Florida with his husband approximately three years before the incident.
Together, the couple operated Beauty Max in Jacksonville. Kim is survived by two children, and her death drew widespread sympathy within the local Korean American community.
