News Releases

October 5, 2022: Two 17-Year-Olds Charged in Murder of Fashion District Vendor

Contact: 
Media Relations Division
(213) 257-2000

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that two 17-year-olds have been charged with murder in the Oct. 1 stabbing death of 56-year-old Fashion District vendor Du Young Lee.

“Mr. Lee was killed in the middle of the day on a busy street in downtown L.A. while simply trying to run his business.” District Attorney Gascón said. “His death is a tremendous loss for his friends, family and all who knew him. I want to make it clear that my office will work diligently to hold accountable individuals who engage in violent acts – even if they are minors.”

In petitions filed against the minors, each faces one count of murder and one count of second-degree robbery.

They made initial court appearances today in Eastlake Juvenile Court. They are scheduled to return to court on Oct. 26 in Department 204. Both remain in custody.

It is alleged that the minors robbed Mr. Lee and then stabbed him to death near the corner of Olympic Boulevard and Wall Street.

The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.