Community meeting poses questions in the unsolved murder of a Lakewood store owner

LAKEWOOD, Wash. — The death of Lakewood store owner In Choe was a shock to the Korean American community throughout western Washington.

“Basically, the entire Korean American community of this region, way over 100,000, was deeply saddened to hear of this tragic incident,” said Michael Park.

The former Federal Way City Council member, now with the Korean American Coalition asked for a community meeting at Lakewood City Hall on Monday to allow people the opportunity to express their shock and fear and ask questions of Lakewood police about the hunt for Choe's killer.

“We need to talk about what is the best way to help catch this bad guy,” Park said.

The 59-year-old store owner was stabbed to death during a robbery on Oct. 14. Two weeks after her death, the McChord Mart remains shut down. A sign says it will stay closed until Oct. 30 in honor of Mama, the nickname customers called Choe.

Video surveillance captured images of her killer. But even with detailed video evidence, no arrests have been made and Lakewood police haven't identified a suspect.

“Video is good,” said Lakewood police Lt. Chris Lawler, “It really, obviously, tells the story about what happened. It gives you an idea of what the suspect looks like. But that’s only good if somebody recognizes that person.”

Crime Stoppers of Tacoma and Pierce County is offering a reward for information leading to an arrest.

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