The family of Christina Yuna Lee, along with members of the New York City Asian community, are advocating for a homeless shelter to be named in her memory. Christina, a 35-year-old creative producer, was tragically murdered in her Chinatown apartment by a homeless man named Assamad Nash. Her father, Sungkon Lee, expressed his desire for a shelter called the “Christina Yuna Lee Memorial Shelter” to honor his daughter and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Sungkon Lee emphasized that naming a shelter after Christina would serve as a reminder of her senseless death and potentially deter homeless individuals from committing violent acts. The family’s attorney, Charles Yoon, highlighted the importance of keeping Christina’s memory alive and raising awareness about the dangers faced by the Asian American community, especially in light of increased attacks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community leaders, such as Gene Kang from the Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York, are calling on the city to take action to ensure the safety of Asian Americans. Kang emphasized the need for prosecutors and law enforcement to remain vigilant in addressing and preventing attacks against the community.
In addition to advocating for the memorial shelter, the Lee family has a pending lawsuit against the NYPD for their alleged failure to respond effectively to Christina’s cries for help on the night of her murder. Sungkon Lee criticized the police department for what he believes was an inadequate response, stating that their primary responsibility should be to protect the city’s residents.
Despite pursuing legal action against the NYPD, Sungkon Lee reiterated that the family’s ultimate goal is to honor Christina’s memory and prevent others from experiencing a similar tragedy. By naming a shelter after Christina Yuna Lee, her family hopes to create a lasting tribute that raises awareness about the importance of ensuring public safety and preventing future acts of violence.
