Suspect Extradited from South Korea to Face 2002 Flushing Murder Charges

Ho "Alex" Shin accused of brutal 2002 stabbing that killed one and injured another in Queens

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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After more than two decades on the run, a man accused of a brutal murder in Flushing, Queens in 2002 has been extradited from South Korea to face charges. Ho "Alex" Shin, now 43, is charged with the 2002 stabbing death of 22-year-old Hyun Dae Kim, as well as the attempted murder of another man in an apartment they had visited after a night out. Shin allegedly fled the United States shortly after the crime occurred, but was arrested in South Korea last December and has now been brought back to New York to face justice.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement can face in tracking down and extraditing fugitives who flee the country, as well as the persistence required to eventually bring them to account decades later. The brutal nature of the alleged crime also underscores the ongoing need for public safety and justice for victims and their families, even years after a tragedy occurs.

The details

According to the Queens District Attorney's Office, on January 6, 2002, the victims and the defendant were part of a group that had gone to a female friend's apartment in the early hours of the morning. Following a brief exit from the apartment, Shin supposedly called a co-defendant, instructing them to bring knives. They then re-entered the apartment and commenced the attack over what was perceived as a previous slight. While Hyun Dae Kim succumbed to his wounds, the second victim survived his injuries. Investigators later learned that Shin had openly told acquaintances about the stabbing before he vanished.

  • On January 6, 2002, the alleged incident occurred in a Flushing apartment.
  • In December 2026, Shin was arrested in South Korea.
  • On February 14, 2026, Shin was extradited from South Korea to face charges in New York.
  • On February 17, 2026, Shin is scheduled to appear in court.

The players

Ho "Alex" Shin

A 43-year-old man accused of the 2002 murder of Hyun Dae Kim and attempted murder of another man in Flushing, Queens. Shin allegedly fled the United States shortly after the crime occurred, but was recently extradited from South Korea to face charges.

Hyun Dae Kim

A 22-year-old man who was killed in the 2002 stabbing attack in Flushing, Queens.

Melinda Katz

The Queens District Attorney, who announced Shin's extradition and is overseeing the prosecution of the case.

Steven Brown

The detective from the 109th Detective Squad who conducted the original investigation in 2002.

Annamari Bernagozzi

The detective from the NYPD's Cold Case Squad who played an instrumental role in the recent developments that led to Shin's apprehension.

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What they’re saying

“No matter how much time passes, we do not give up on our victims and their families.”

— Melinda Katz, Queens District Attorney (Queens District Attorney's Office)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on February 17 whether or not to allow Ho "Alex" Shin to be released on bail as the prosecution moves forward.

The takeaway

This case highlights the persistence of law enforcement in tracking down and extraditing fugitives, even decades after a brutal crime, in order to provide justice for victims and their families. It also underscores the ongoing challenges in the criminal justice system around bail reform and public safety.