NEW YORK, NY – A man was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for the brutal murder of Christina Yuna Lee, a woman he followed into her Chinatown apartment before stabbing her multiple times. The sentencing brought some closure to Lee’s family, who have been tormented by her loss for over two years.
Al-Samad Nash, the convicted murderer, had followed Lee from her Uber ride to her apartment, forced his way inside, and attempted to sexually assault her. When she resisted, Nash grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed her at least 40 times. The horrific crime left the community in shock and raised concerns about safety and anti-Asian violence.
Lee’s family, still grappling with the trauma, faced Nash in court. Her aunt, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed the deep anguish they have endured since the murder. Lee’s father, in his victim impact statement, questioned why such a tragedy befell their family and criticized the bail reform laws and NYPD’s delayed response, which he believes failed to protect his daughter.
The case has not been prosecuted as a hate crime, but the timing of the incident, amid a surge in anti-Asian violence, has left a lasting impact on the community. Many residents have altered their routines out of fear, avoiding public transportation and staying indoors at night.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg attended the sentencing, acknowledging the unwavering support from the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and the broader Manhattan borough. He emphasized that the community’s strength has provided solace for Lee’s family.
In the aftermath of the sentencing, Lee’s family has filed a lawsuit against the NYPD, criticizing their handling of the case. The police department has declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation. Lee’s father, who often writes poems to his late daughter, read one in court, capturing the profound sense of loss they continue to feel.