A New York City man has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and burglary after a tragic incident in Chinatown. The man, identified as Assamad Nash, 25, followed a woman into her apartment where he viciously attacked her, stabbing her more than 40 times. The victim, 35-year-old Christina Yuna Lee, tragically lost her life in the brutal attack on February 13, 2022.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg made a statement announcing that Nash will be held accountable for the senseless killing of Christina Yuna Lee. Bragg expressed his condolences to the victim's family and community, acknowledging the profound loss they have suffered.
Nash admitted to following Lee into her sixth-floor walk-up apartment, where he pushed his way inside and attempted to sexually assault her. Neighbors called the police after hearing the victim's screams, leading to the discovery of the horrific crime scene.
Law enforcement found Nash hiding under a mattress in the apartment, along with a bloodied kitchen knife hidden behind a dresser. The victim was discovered in the bathroom with at least 40 stab wounds on her neck and torso, tragically succumbing to her injuries at the scene.
The heinous nature of the crime prompted city and state leaders, including Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul, to condemn the attack as an assault against the Asian American community. Nash, who had an extensive criminal record in New Jersey, was on supervised release for three open cases at the time of the murder.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing violence and ensuring the safety of all individuals in our communities. The memory of Christina Yuna Lee will live on as her loved ones and the community continue to heal from this devastating loss.
