NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Christina Yuna Lee's killer was sentenced to 30 years-to-life in state prison for fatally stabbing the 35-year-old inside her Chinatown apartment in February, prosecutors announced on Tuesday.
The brutality of the killing had shocked the city—authorities said the 35-year-old victim was stabbed at least 40 times and was heard screaming for help, even as police officers struggled to breach the door to her apartment. It also came amid an outcry over attacks against people of Asian descent in the city; Yuna Lee was Korean American.
Assamad Nash, 27, of Manhattan, pleaded guilty in June 2024 to second-degree murder and first-degree burglary as a sexually motivated felony, according to the Manhattan D.A.'s Office.
“Christina Yuna Lee was killed in an unthinkably horrific manner in her own apartment at the hands of Assamad Nash,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said. “Ms. Yuna Lee was a creative, kind and joyful person and her death not only devastated her family but left a lasting impact on an entire community. I hope the resolution of this case offers comfort and a sense of justice for everyone that has been touched by Ms. Yuna Lee’s life and this tragedy. May her legacy be celebrated for years to come.”
According to prosecutors, Nash followed Yuna Lee into her apartment building at Grand and Chrystie streets around 4:20 a.m. on Feb. 13.
He trailed her up six flights of stairs and then ran up behind her as she entered her apartment, pushing his way inside and attempting to sexually assault her, prosecutors said.
Neighbors called 911 after hearing a struggle and Yuna Lee screaming. NYPD officers arrived just minutes later and also heard her screams, but they had trouble breaching the door to gain entry.
Nash tried to flee the apartment through the fire escape but went back inside after spotting a police officer on the roof above him, according to prosecutors.
At 5:40 a.m., officers busted down the apartment door and found Nash hiding under Yuna Lee's bed. A bloody kitchen knife was found hidden under the dresser.
In the bathroom, officers found Yuna Lee, who'd suffered at least 40 stab wounds, including to her head, neck and body. She was pronounced dead at the scene.