Brave Detectives Solve Complex Murder Case Amidst Host's Temporary Exit

The relentless pursuit of justice by detectives was showcased in the latest episode of 'Brave Detectives,' where they unraveled a perplexing case. Notably, long-time host Lee Yi-kyung has temporarily stepped down following recent controversies.

The 70th episode of T-Cast E Channel's 'Brave Detectives 4' (directed by Lee Ji-sun), aired on the 6th, featured Detective Team 3 from Namyangju South Police Station, including Inspector Lee Sang-kyu, Detective Park Kwang-min, Narcotics Detective Kim Nam-kwon, Sergeant Hong Sung-hyun, Voice Phishing Team Officer Kwon Ga-ha, former KCSI Commissioner Yoon Wae-chul, and Inspector Kim Jin-soo, who shared their investigation logs. Comedian Um Ji-yoon also joined as a guest, adding her witty charm to the show.

The first case introduced involved a report of a woman being threatened with a knife by her boyfriend during an argument. Upon arrival, detectives found a woman in her 30s dead on a blood-soaked bed, and another woman in her 60s, also deceased, on the floor. The two were identified as mother and daughter, both Chinese nationals. The mother had arrived in Korea about a month prior to stay with her daughter.

The detectives' primary target was not the daughter's live-in boyfriend, Mr. Choi (alias). The daughter had a five-year-old child from a previous marriage, who was missing from the scene. The child's daycare recognized Mr. Choi as the father, and he had reportedly taken the child out early, citing a family emergency. CCTV footage suggested Mr. Choi left the scene with the child after the murders.

Using Mr. Choi's phone number, detectives obtained his social media photos and identified him among 20-30 individuals with the same name nationwide. It was confirmed that Mr. Choi had contacted his younger brother for job opportunities days before. He had left the child at his mother's house in another region before disappearing. Fortunately, the child was unharmed. Detectives meticulously tracked communication records and located the taxi driver who had driven Mr. Choi to his mother's house. The driver, a long-time friend of Mr. Choi, reported nothing unusual. Anticipating Mr. Choi might use a taxi again, detectives staked out and successfully apprehended him when he called for a cab.

Initially, Mr. Choi claimed he killed the victims in a fit of rage after being disrespected. Later, he admitted to suspecting the victims and having conflicts with the mother over child-rearing issues. The mother had reportedly tried to intervene during an argument between her daughter and Mr. Choi, leading to her murder.

At Mr. Choi's mother's house, detectives found expensive watches, yen, and about 20 pieces of jewelry, including a missing gold necklace belonging to the victim, which Mr. Choi had stolen. It was also revealed that Mr. Choi had requested a diamond appraisal on the day of the murders. He claimed he took the child to his mother's house because they had lived together for a long time, which left everyone in disbelief. Ultimately, Mr. Choi was sentenced to 30 years in prison for murder, theft, and child abduction.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr