Korean Elder Murder Lawsuit — Family Files Civil Suit After Acquittal

Civil Lawsuit Filed in 90-Year-Old Korean Man’s Murder

The Korean elder murder lawsuit has returned to court two years after 90-year-old Joon-ki Kim was found stabbed to death in his Atlanta Buckhead senior apartment. The daughters of the victim have filed a civil lawsuit against the former apartment security guard who was previously acquitted of murder charges in a February criminal trial.

Details of the Civil Complaint and Timeline

Daughters Kate O’Hara and Young-bi Park submitted a complaint to the Fulton County court, claiming former security guard Janet Denise Williams is responsible for their father’s death. Kim was found dead on September 25, 2024, on the fifth floor of a public housing high-rise on Marian Road. A caregiver discovered Kim on his kitchen floor, and authorities revealed he had been stabbed 54 times in the face and upper body.

Previous Criminal Trial and Evidence

About two weeks after the incident, Williams was arrested and charged with murder, aggravated assault, and elder exploitation. Although prosecutors presented surveillance footage showing Williams entering Kim’s floor shortly before the estimated time of the crime, the defense argued that a suspect who inflicted over 50 stab wounds would have noticeable blood on their clothing, which was not evident on Williams. A jury returned a not guilty verdict on all charges.

Lower Burden of Proof in Civil Court

While acknowledging the criminal acquittal, the family’s legal representatives emphasize that civil trials operate under a lower standard of proof—the “preponderance of the evidence”—compared to the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard required in criminal cases.

Suspicious Movements on Security Footage

The civil complaint highlights Williams’ movements on the day of the incident. According to the filing, Kim’s caregiver left the building around 2:40 PM on September 24, 2024. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Williams taking the elevator to the fifth floor around 3:15 PM wearing glasses, a mask, and carrying a red Xfinity bag. Approximately six minutes later, Williams was seen leaving without the glasses and mask, with a torn right pant leg, a dark red stain, a bulging bag, and a slight limp. Kim’s wallet, ID, cards, and Atlanta Braves hat were missing when his body was discovered.

Additional Defendants Named in the Lawsuit

Police previously searched Williams’ home and seized uniforms, shoes, and the red Xfinity bag, noting a repaired tear on the pants matching a wound on Williams’ right thigh. However, prosecutors failed to convince the criminal jury with this circumstantial evidence. The family has also named the Atlanta Housing Authority, the apartment management company, and security firm Protect Security as defendants for failing to provide adequate protection.