Full Breakdown
New Zealand Mother Found Guilty of Murdering Her Two Children
9/23/2025, 10:51:39 AM
Overview of the Case
Hakyung Lee, a 45-year-old New Zealand citizen originally from South Korea, was found guilty by a jury at the Auckland High Court of murdering her two children, Yuna Jo, 8, and Minu Jo, 6. The verdict was delivered on September 22, 2025, after a trial that lasted approximately two weeks. The children’s remains were discovered in August 2022 inside suitcases at an abandoned storage unit in Auckland, where they had been hidden for several years.
Timeline of Events
- June 2018: Hakyung Lee is believed to have killed her children shortly after the death of her husband from cancer.
- 2018: Following the killings, Lee fled to South Korea, changing her name from Ji Eun Lee.
- August 2022: The remains of Yuna and Minu Jo were found when the contents of the storage unit were auctioned off after Lee stopped paying rental fees.
- November 2022: Lee was extradited from South Korea to New Zealand to face trial.
- September 8, 2025: The trial commenced.
- September 22, 2025: Lee was found guilty of murder.
Legal Proceedings and Verdict
During the trial, Lee's defense argued that she was insane at the time of the murders, claiming her mental health deteriorated after her husband's death. However, the prosecution contended that her actions were calculated, emphasizing that she had hidden the bodies, changed her identity, and fled the country. The jury deliberated for approximately two hours before rejecting the insanity defense and convicting Lee of two counts of murder.
Official Statements & Responses
Crown Prosecutor Natalie Walker stated, “It was a selfish act to free herself from the burden of parenting alone,” arguing that Lee's actions demonstrated rational thought. Justice Geoffrey Venning ordered Lee to remain in custody until her sentencing, which is scheduled for November 26, 2025. Under New Zealand law, murder carries a mandatory life sentence, with a minimum non-parole period of ten years.
Criticism & Opposition
Lee's defense team maintained that she was a loving mother whose mental health issues led to the tragic events. Standby counsel Chris Wilkinson-Smith argued that Lee was a "normal mother" who experienced a significant breakdown. However, the prosecution's portrayal of Lee as calculating and rational in her actions was a central point of contention during the trial.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was a selfish act to free herself from the burden of parenting alone,” — Natalie Walker, Crown Prosecutor
- “She was a normal mother and then something went seriously wrong …” — Chris Wilkinson-Smith, Standby Counsel
Conclusion
The case of Hakyung Lee has garnered significant media attention, highlighting the complexities of mental health issues in the context of severe criminal acts. As the legal proceedings continue, the implications of this case resonate within New Zealand and beyond, raising questions about parental responsibilities and mental health support systems. Lee is set to be sentenced in November, facing the possibility of a life sentence for her actions.
