Jung Choi

Jung Choi said she was remorseful for her involvement in the killing of Hollister resident Yoon Ji, but that did not sway the judge as he sentenced her to 11 years in prison. Photo by John Chadwell.

Justice

Jung Choi sentenced to 11 years for voluntary manslaughter

She had pleaded no contest to charges in the killing of Hollister resident Yoon Ji.

Sang Ji faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison and is expected to be sentenced on April 30. Photos by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Sang Ji convicted of first-degree murder

Facing a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison.

Jung Choi smiles at her interpreter as she enters the courtroom on Jan. 24. She pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter. Photo by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Jung Choi pleads no contest to voluntary manslaughter

Choi is one of two accused in a December 2017 murder. She faces up to 11 years in prison.

Jung Choi at a Jan. 10 hearing. Over the course of nearly two years of hearings, she has remained mostly silent and communicated only through an interpreter. Photos by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Ji and Choi trial set for March 9

They are charged with first-degree murder in the December 2017 death of Yoon ‘Clara’ Ji.

Defense attorney Arthur Cantu and defendant Sang Ji in San Benito County Superior Court. Photo by John Chadwell.

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Ji and Choi trial-setting hearing is Oct. 4

Judge Steven Sanders denies motions from both defendants.

Sang Ji walks into the courtroom at the July 31 hearing. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Police / Fire

Defense strategies block hearings again in Yoon Ji murder case

Sang Ji’s new attorney aims to challenge a search warrant; Jung Choi’s attorney wants defendants tried separately.

Sang Ji entering the courtroom on July 12. Ji turned down voluntary manslaughter that may have resulted in five-and-a-half years in prison instead of a life sentence. Photo by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Sang Ji turns down voluntary manslaughter plea deal

In response, his defense attorney quits the case. Next hearing is July 31.

Sang Ji appeared in San Benito County Superior Court on May 24. He is accused of killing his wife Yoon Ji. Photos by John Chadwell.

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Sang Ji competent to stand trial

Pre-trial conference set for June 28.

Jung Choi greets her translator before taking a seat during a May 1 hearing at San Benito County Superior Court. Photo by Noe Magaña.

Police / Fire

Ji and Choi hearings delayed

Defense attorney Gregory LaForge asks for two weeks to review Ji’s mental competency evaluation.

Sang Ji in San Benito County Superior Court during a 2019 hearing. Photo by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Sang Ji hearing moved to May 1

Jung Choi scheduled to appear in court the same day.

Sang Ji walks into the courtroom during a March hearing as Jung Choi confers with defense attorney Harry Damkar through her Korean interpreter. Photos by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Ji and Choi will be tried separately

Criminal proceedings against Ji suspended while expert determines if he is mentally competent to stand trial.

Jung Choi and Sang Ji glance at San Benito County District Attorney Candice Hooper as she speaks with defense attorney Harry Damkar. Photo by John Chadwell.

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Ji and Choi to be tried for murder

Two-day hearing reviews forensic evidence from sheriff’s deputies and detectives. Superior Court Judge Felice rules there is enough evidence to go to trial.

Police / Fire

Hollister murder suspects back in court, set to return in March

South Korean TV news crew is also on hand to film hour-long documentary.

Judge Steven Sanders looks over his calendar to determine when murder suspects Jung Choi (left) and Sang Ji (right) will return to court. Photo by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Preliminary hearing for murder suspects Ji and Choi pushed to March

New delay in discovery presentation.

Jung Choi (left) and Sang Ji (right) have appeared in court together for over a year. A Korean interpreter sits between them at a 2018 hearing. Photo by John Chadwell.

Police / Fire

Ji and Choi murder case gets January hearing

Prosecution expected to present its evidence against the accused.

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