A man was sentenced to 30 years to life in state prison for the fatal stabbing of Christina Yuna Lee in her Manhattan apartment, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. The sentencing took place on Tuesday.
Details of the Crime
- Defendant: Assamad Nash, 27
- Victim: Christina Yuna Lee, 35
- Date of Incident: February 2022
- Location: Lee’s apartment in Chinatown, Manhattan
Crime Summary:
- Nash followed Lee to her sixth-floor apartment and forced his way inside when she entered.
- During the attack, Nash attempted to sexually assault Lee before stabbing her over 40 times.
- He initially tried to escape through the fire escape but returned inside upon seeing a police officer on the roof.
- Police eventually forced entry into the apartment, finding Nash hiding under Lee’s mattress with a bloodied knife.
Legal Proceedings
- Charges: Nash pleaded guilty to murder and burglary in June 2024.
- Sentence: 30 years to life in state prison
District Attorney Alvin Bragg Jr. stated, “Christina Yuna Lee was killed in an unthinkably horrific manner. Her death not only devastated her family but also left a lasting impact on the entire community.”
Aftermath and Legal Actions
Family Lawsuit:
- Lee’s family filed a lawsuit in May 2024 against the New York City Police Department and the city, alleging that delays in police and medical response contributed to her death.
- The NYPD has declined to comment on the pending litigation.
Investigation and Community Impact:
- The NYPD has not commented on whether Lee’s race or ethnicity played a role in the attack or if the Hate Crimes Task Force is involved.
- Lee’s death has raised concerns about rising anti-Asian violence in New York and across the U.S., according to advocacy groups.
Current Status:
- The New York City Law Department is reviewing the family’s complaint.
- No further comments have been provided by the NYPD regarding the ongoing investigation.
