A man who ruthlessly killed a New York woman in 2022 in what prosecutors called an "unthinkable and horrific" manner faced the victim's family in court on Tuesday as he was sentenced.
Assamad Nash, 27, previously pleaded guilty to murder and burglary charges in the brutal stabbing of Christina Yuna Lee, 35.
Sungkon Lee, the victim's father, openly sobbed in court as he delivered his victim impact statement, expressing that his family will continue to live in unbearable pain and asking the court for the maximum sentence.
"Why did God do such terrible things to our family?" he asked.
The grieving father blamed bail reform laws and the NYPD for ultimately failing his daughter.
"The police did not gain entrance into the scene of the crime until 1 hour and 20 minutes had passed since arriving at the scene," he added.
The judge highlighted the "tremendous turnout" in court as she sentenced Nash to 30 years to life in prison, also noting that the defendant has serious mental issues and is a danger to society.
Outside of the courthouse, Lee's aunt revealed the victim's mother was unable to attend the sentencing because, even two and a half years after the murder, she still suffers greatly.
"Christina Yuna Lee was killed in an unthinkably horrific manner in her own apartment at the hands of Assamad Nash," said District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
"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."
Nash had previously admitted to stalking Lee and following her into her Chinatown apartment, where police say he stabbed the 35-year-old more than 40 times.
In February 2022, shortly before 4:30 a.m., Nash followed Lee as she entered her apartment building in the Chinatown section of Manhattan.
He climbed the six flights to her apartment before running up behind her, forcing his way in, and attempting to sexually assault her, according to WABC-TV.
Neighbors who heard Lee screaming for help unsuccessfully tried to gain access to the apartment and called 911.
When officers arrived on scene, they broke down the door and found Nash hiding under a mattress.
Lee was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim's family has filed a lawsuit against the NYPD over their response to the crime scene.
