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Written by: E. George
Published October 29, 2024 @ 2:15 PM ET
Warning: The following story contains information regarding alleged physical violence against disabled or elderly persons.
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – A Buckhead security guard was arrested last month and charged with the murder of Chun Ki Kim, a 90-year-old resident of the Marian Road Highrise apartment complex, a building designed to accommodate elderly residents and individuals with disabilities. Kim was found dead in his apartment on September 25, having suffered more than 50 stab wounds to his torso and face.
According to a warrant, Janet Denise Williams, who worked as a security guard at the complex, is accused of killing Kim in a brutal attack. Williams reportedly witnessed the police investigation unfold at the scene, asking questions and even going into the apartment of a nearby resident who had a doorbell camera, all while Kim lay deceased on his kitchen floor.
The police warrant notes that “While it was still unclear what her intentions initially were, Williams stabbed Mr. Kim to death.” As of now, law enforcement has been unable to confirm a motive behind the attack.
Kim, originally from South Korea, was a well-known figure in the community. Before his retirement, he ran a shoe repair shop in metro Atlanta. His death was reported by his caretaker, who discovered his body early in the morning of September 25.
The investigation uncovered several peculiar circumstances surrounding Williams’ actions and appearance after the incident. Surveillance footage indicated Kim was last seen entering the elevator to his apartment around noon on September 24. A few hours later, Williams was seen in a dark-colored security guard uniform and appeared to have blood on her clothing.
The warrant described how, after using the south elevator to go to the fifth floor, Williams returned six minutes later without her glasses or face mask. Notably, her pants were torn and stained with a dark reddish substance. Witnesses reported that she seemed anxious, examining her injured hand and limping as she exited the elevator.
Furthermore, the warrant states, “The red Xfinity bag she was carrying also appeared to be fuller as if something had been placed inside during that time.” After her trips to the fifth floor, Williams did not return to the security desk with the bag.
The police executed a search warrant at Williams’ home in DeKalb County on October 3, seizing her security uniform, Crocs, and the Xfinity bag as evidence. Law enforcement also noted a significant wound on her right thigh. Williams claimed her pants had been torn while she was opening a garage door, though she could not recall how the injury occurred.
After the attack, while Kim’s loved ones gathered at the building crying and mourning, Williams reportedly approached the group and hugged them. One relative explained that the security guard stated, “Your father was such a wonderful person, and I don’t know why this happened.”
Monica Johnson, a resident on the fifth floor, expressed outrage at the security guard’s actions. Following the murder, Williams was reportedly instructed by the property manager to distribute letters to residents regarding the incident and a “noticeable increase in criminal activity” in the area. Johnson remarked on the inappropriateness of this response, saying, “That’s sick,” about the letters Williams placed on residents’ doors.
Johnson described Kim as a beloved figure known for his kindness, often greeting neighbors with a smile and offering candy. She recounted her distress upon hearing about the stabbing, stating, “When I found out, I just busted out crying. And the way he got killed, I’m like, ‘No, please.’”
The residents now live in fear, with many avoiding going outside after dark. “By 7:00 PM, this building is a ghost town,” Johnson noted, adding, “We don’t trust no security now. We don’t know them.”
In response to the incident, the Atlanta Housing Authority emphasized its commitment to resident safety. A spokesperson stated, “Upon learning of the incident, Atlanta Housing took immediate steps to coordinate with property management and the Atlanta Police Department to ensure that security measures were enhanced at the property and to provide grief counseling services for residents and staff.”
The security company employing Williams, Protect Security, has faced scrutiny as well. The Integral Group, which manages the property, clarified that Williams was not directly employed by them but rather contracted through Protect Security.
Williams, currently being held without bond, appeared in court on October 4, where she sought a nominal amount for bail. She is scheduled to appear before a judge again on November 4.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with both the property management and law enforcement working to determine the facts.