A cold case from more than 24 years ago has finally seen some progress as fugitive Ho “Alex” Shin has been extradited back to New York to face murder charges. Shin allegedly stabbed 22-year-old Hyun Dae Kim to death in a Flushing apartment in 2002 over a perceived instance of disrespect.
The brutal attack took place in the early hours of January 6, 2002, when Shin and Kim, along with a group of friends, were gathered at a female friend’s apartment. Shin left briefly and returned with a 16-year-old accomplice, armed with two knives. They burst into the apartment and began stabbing Kim multiple times in retaliation for the perceived disrespect.
During the attack, Kim’s friend Hyun Suk Yu tried to intervene and ended up getting stabbed as well. Both victims were rushed to the hospital, where Kim tragically succumbed to his injuries while Yu survived.
The 16-year-old suspect was arrested the same day, but Shin managed to evade capture until authorities caught up with him in South Korea in December 2025. He was extradited back to New York by the U.S. Marshals Service and arraigned on charges of second-degree murder, attempted murder, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon.
Shin appeared in court and was remanded by Supreme Court Justice Jessica Earle-Gargan, with a return court date set for February 17. If convicted, Shin faces 50 years to life behind bars.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz expressed determination in seeking justice for the victims and their families, highlighting the collaboration with international law enforcement partners in securing Shin’s return to face trial. The extradition of Shin from South Korea after more than two decades demonstrates the unwavering commitment to pursuing justice in cold cases, no matter how much time has passed.
