Kurtistown man indicted on charges in connection with the 2024 death of his wife

Jong Man Kim, 79, was indicted by a Kona grand jury in connection with the June 2024 death of his wife.

According to police reports, the body of 71-year-old Yong Cha Kim was found lying on the kitchen floor of her Mountain View residence on June 20, 2024.

On Tuesday, March 24, Kim was arrested on a $1.5 million indictment warrant by Hawaiʻi Police Department officers with assistance from the U.S. Marshals.

On Wednesday afternoon, Kim made his initial appearance in Hilo Circuit Court, which maintained his bail at $1.5 million and ordered that he surrender his passport.

Kim was ordered to appear for jury trial on Aug. 10, 2026. As the indictment alleges, Kim is charged with murder in the second degree, which is to intentionally or knowingly cause the death of another person. The charge carries a penalty of life in prison with the possibility of parole.

The charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The case was initiated by Puna Patrol and the felony investigation was led by Detective Amy Omaya. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jefferson Malate.

Anyone with information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.