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

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

On March 24, 2026, Kim was arrested on a $1.5 million Indictment warrant by Hawai‘i Police Department officers with assistance from the U.S. Marshals.

Yesterday, Kim made his initial Hilo Circuit appearance where the Court maintained his bail at $1.5 million and was instructed to surrender his passport. Kim was ordered to appear for jury trial on August 10, 2026.

Kim is charged with Murder in the Second Degree (intentionally or knowingly cause the death of another person). Murder in the Second Degree carries a penalty of life in prison with the possibility of parole.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jefferson Malate.

HPD Photo