College Student Tucked Into Bed By ‘Friends’ After Being Brutally Beaten And Stabbed At A Party, He Later Dies
What probably in the mind of a Virginia college student started out as an evening of fun and relaxation ended up as the night that would lead to his tragic death. Hosung “Steven” Lee, 21, a student at George Mason University, attended a house party on April 23 where, for reasons currently unknown, 15 people beat and then stabbed him. An unnamed witness told police that the mob stomped, kicked, and punched Lee while he lay prone on the kitchen floor. Subsequent to the attack his friends drove him home, where he lived with his parents and sister, instead of seeking medical attention for him and put him to bed. A family member found him dead the next day around 4:24 p.m. A state medical examiner has now ruled the student’s death a homicide due to a stab wound to the chest.
Hosung Lee: George Mason University Student Beaten, Stabbed to Death By 10-15 People… https://t.co/gunqSlZJPd pic.twitter.com/npIRIzh7rw
— UJReview (@UJReview) May 8, 2016
According to the Daily Mail, Fairfax County police launched an investigation and sought a warrant to search the location in Herndon, Virginia, where the party was held. At that time, they collected over 700 pieces of evidence.
Police had visited the Oxon Road home on the night of the attack after being dispatched there due to a noise complaint that stemmed from the party. However, at that time they were not given any indication that an actual crime had taken place or that anyone had been injured. When detectives later went to the home they found it empty and in disarray.
Lee’s home is about five miles away from the home where the party was held.
The Washington Post reports that the party extended on into the early hours of April 24. A witness initially identified one of the alleged attackers but later became uncooperative when police attempted to question him further. Detectives attempted to interview him at his home on two occasions, but he refused to leave his bedroom and shouted profanities at them. Authorities later obtained a warrant to search his home. The witness has not been charged in the murder.
WTOP writes that police have released two images in the hopes that the public can offer clues as to the identities of some of the partygoers. Police are speculating that the attackers may have been gang members, but Lt. Brian Gaydos says that identifying gang members is not always easy.
“Gangs evolve … they evolve their dress styles, they evolve in either having tattoos or not having tattoos.”
Detectives spent three days processing the crime scene, have questioned numerous people, and anticipate questioning many more.
https://twitter.com/juanmuriango/status/729086443386068992
Police are asking that anyone with leads to the murder please phone them at 703-246-4057. Tipsters may also reach out to them through the Fairfax County Crime Solvers website or through text-a-tip by texting “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES(274637)**. Other options are to call 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.
The assistant pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church, where Hosung Lee’s family attended when he was in high school expressed his feelings about his death.
“I couldn’t believe it, it was surreal.
He was a typical kid who loved his friends and loved coming to church.”
A Go Fund Me page that raised over $6,000 to contribute to his funeral expenses also carried a description of him.
” … someone that had the kindest heart and was a blessing to those around him.”
As of this date, Hosung’s family has declined to speak to the press.
No arrests have been made thus far in connection with the college student’s death.
Lee’s funeral was held at Open Door Presbyterian Church in Herndon, Virginia on April 28.
The investigation continues to be ongoing.
[Image via Shutterstock]
