New Zealand 'suitcase murder': Mum found guilty of killing her two children

BBC
BBC
3M ago
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Hakyung Lee was found guilty of murdering her two children and hiding their bodies in suitcases, with the court rejecting her insanity defense.
New Zealand 'suitcase murder': Mum found guilty of killing her two children
A What happened
In a shocking case, Hakyung Lee, 44, was found guilty of murdering her two children and hiding their bodies in suitcases in New Zealand. The Auckland High Court's verdict came after a two-week trial, where Lee pleaded not guilty, claiming insanity due to her deteriorating mental health following her husband's cancer diagnosis and death. Prosecutors argued that her actions were premeditated, as evidenced by her attempts to conceal the bodies and change her identity. The children's remains were discovered in 2022 by a family who bought an abandoned storage unit. A pathologist determined the children died from homicide, with evidence of Nortriptyline, an antidepressant, in their system. Lee's defense claimed she intended to kill herself and her children but miscalculated the dosage. The jury deliberated for three hours before reaching a verdict, and Lee is set to be sentenced in November, facing a maximum of life imprisonment.

Key insights

  • 1

    Insanity Defense Rejected: The court dismissed Lee's claim of insanity during the trial.

  • 2

    Children's Remains Discovered: The bodies were found in 2022 by a family who purchased a storage unit.

  • 3

    Premeditated Actions: Prosecutors argued Lee's actions were calculated and not impulsive.

Takeaways

Hakyung Lee's conviction highlights the complexities of mental health in criminal cases.

Topics

World & Politics Governance Human Rights Corruption & Accountability

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