Youth Charged in Deaths of Mother, Sister, 9
The teenager accused of killing his mother and 9-year-old sister was charged Wednesday with two counts of murder and two counts of use of a firearm, authorities said.
Paul Yum, 15, will answer to the charges at a detention hearing in Rancho Cucamonga Juvenile Court today. The San Bernardino County district attorney will seek to try him as an adult, said public information officer Susan Mickey. A mental fitness hearing will be held within two weeks, she said.
Police arrested Paul on Monday, several hours after finding him alone at a Las Vegas hotel. He had been reported missing after his father, Tai Du Yum, discovered the bodies at their family’s home in Upland about 3 a.m. Saturday. Tai Du Yum, who had apparently been out with a friend since 7:30 p.m. the night before the murders, found his youngest son, John Yum, asleep and unharmed. Paul, along with the family’s luxury car and a hunting rifle, believed to be the murder weapon, were missing.
Esther Yum, 38, and Christine Yum, who were found in the girl’s bedroom, had been shot in the head at close range, authorities said.
Police said they have not determined a motive yet and are still looking for the murder weapon.
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.