Authorities are investigating the death of a 19-year-old man who died of a head injury his family believes was the result of an attack in Koreatown days earlier.
The victim’s father, Chris Han, said his son, Joonhee Han, was walking to work in Koreatown when he was attacked by a man riding an electric scooter near 7th Street and South Harvard Boulevard at 4:30 p.m. on July 18, according to The Korea Times. Chris said the man pushed Joonhee to the ground and punched him repeatedly while he was on the ground.
Chris recalls Joonhee telling him after the incident that his neck was stiff but didn’t hurt too much, according to KTLA5.
A few days later, on July 23, Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call around 2 a.m. near 8th Street and Mariposa Avenue. The caller said Han had no pulse and was not breathing, Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey said. Han was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and declared brain dead two days later.
“West Bureau homicide detectives are actively seeking additional evidence, witness statements and other information related to the incident that may help us determine what happened,” the LAPD said in a statement.
The autopsy report has not yet been finalized, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Department said.
A GoFundMe fundraiser for Joonhee’s family raised more than $30,000. Han’s funeral was held Sunday in Whittier.
“In addition to the emotional impact, the family is burdened with mounting medical bills, funeral expenses and other unexpected costs,” said Edric Oh, who organized the fundraiser. “We are reaching out to our community, friends and compassionate strangers to help ease this financial burden.”
Joonhee was passionate about rock climbing, fitness and dancing, and had a bright personality, Oh wrote on the GoFundMe page. Chris added that Joonhee’s organ donation helped save another life.
“Many friends and family members are saddened by his unexpected death, but thanks to Junhee’s organ donation, another life has been saved,” Chris wrote. “We ask for your continued support so we can carry out Joonhee’s funeral. Thank you to everyone who supported us.”
The LAPD said anyone who may have information about the case is encouraged to contact its West Bureau homicide team.
