In early 2022, a homeless man will serve at least three decades in prison for the mindless stalker-killing of a New York City woman whom he followed up six flights of stairs to her apartment.
Christina Yuna Lee, 35, died inexplicably and brutally, shocking New Yorkers. Assamad Nash, 27, the woman’s killer, stabbed her to death over an hour for no apparent reason, inflicting at least 40 wounds.
The violence was unsurprising, coming at a time when Asian communities across the five boroughs were experiencing great anxiety as anti-Asian hate crimes increased exponentially in 2021.
Lee was actively working to raise awareness of and advocate against hate crimes against Asians when she died. According to a courtroom report by the New York Daily News, during a victim impact statement, the victim’s father, Sungkon Lee, requested that New York County Supreme Court Justice Laura Ward impose the maximum punishment on her killer.
“Christina had a good nature and was considerate,” her father remarked. “She was a very good daughter, constantly smiling and nice to her family, friends, and those around her. She worked hard for her company with a true attitude. Her coworkers recognized her as an exceptional employee.
On February 13, 2022, at about 4:20 a.m., Lee entered her building near the intersection of Grand and Chrystie Streets, in the heart of New York City’s first-built and third-largest Chinatown.
Nash, who had just been residing at a shelter in the adjacent Bowery district, saw his victim from the street as she entered. Then he quietly followed her into the foyer and up the stairs. As Lee unlocked the door to her unit, Nash approached from behind, slammed his way inside, and attempted to sexually assault her.
Two minutes later, neighbors called 911, reporting noises of a struggle, including a woman’s screams for aid. Officers from the NYPD’s 5th Precinct, located about three blocks away, soon arrived. According to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, officers “heard her calling for help inside, but could not gain entry.”
Law officials burst down the door about 5:40 a.m., but it was too late for Splice’s creative producer.
“After Christina died, the remaining family members have been having a hard time living each day, feeling overwhelmed with longing and regret,” Lee’s father said during the sentencing hearing. “Why did God let such a terrible thing happen to our family?” I just feel bitter that God is putting my family through this agony.”
The since-condemned guy was initially apprehended by law enforcement with a yellow object in his hand while attempting to exit through a window but returned inside when he observed a police officer on the roof above, according to prosecutors. When officers eventually got through the victim’s front door, they discovered Nash lying behind a mattress. Bragg reported seeing a bleeding “yellow-handled kitchen knife” stashed behind a dresser. The murdered woman’s body was discovered in her bathtub, with at least 40 stab wounds on her torso, head, and neck.
On February 14, 2022, the killer was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree burglary, and burglary as a sexually motivated felony.
On June 18, Nash pled guilty to second-degree murder and first-degree burglary as a sexually motivated felony. On Tuesday, the killer was sentenced to 30 years to life in jail.
Outside the courtroom, Lee’s father explained the foundation for a pending lawsuit against the city. The Lee family is critical of the police reaction and wants to know why the NYPD was able to arrive at the residence in minutes but could not gain admission until more than 80 minutes later.
The murdered woman’s relatives said they do not want money, but rather for the city to create a shelter in her memory.
“We want Christina’s memory to be remembered and others to avoid a similar fate,” Lee told the Daily News. “This is based on the fact that the perpetrator was homeless.” It will help to prevent similar tragedies in the future, while also honoring and remembering Christina.”