A Korean American Detective Reflects on Solving a Gruesome Murder in 2022
Detective’s Relentless Pursuit of Justice in Woodland Hills Murder Case
On the evening of August 2, 2022, Detective Sharon Kim of the Los Angeles Police Department was dispatched to Martha Street in Woodland Hills. Initially responding to what was believed to be a home invasion, she quickly encountered a scene that would haunt her for the next three years.
Upon arrival, Kim discovered the lifeless body of 81-year-old Ok Ja Kim, a Korean American woman, who had been brutally stabbed, strangled, and burned in her own home. "I can honestly say that in my entire career, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a senseless and brutal act of murder," Kim remarked months after the incident.
The victim was unrecognizable at the crime scene, and the community was shaken. Ok Ja Kim, who was known for her gentle nature and had no known enemies, left behind family members who sought justice. Amid a dearth of DNA evidence, including a hat believed to belong to the perpetrator, the investigation struggled for leads. During a news conference in October of that year, Kim’s daughter made a heartfelt plea for assistance, stating, "This was monstrous, this is disgusting, and it needs to be stopped."
A breakthrough came from a local neighbor who shared security camera footage of a man behaving suspiciously near the victim’s home. Detective Kim recognized the footage as a potential key piece of evidence in the investigation.
Detective Kim’s Personal Journey
Detective Kim’s path to a career in law enforcement was not straightforward. Growing up in La Crescenta, she had not considered this path until a chance encounter changed her perspective. After hearing a recruitment advertisement from the LAPD while driving, she attended a recruitment seminar that opened her eyes to the possibilities of serving her community.
"I remember having a lot of doubts. It was a male-dominated profession, and I didn’t see myself in that role," Kim recalled. However, she felt compelled to break stereotypes and inspire others in her community. With less than 9% of the LAPD’s employees identifying as Asian American, Kim faced additional challenges, but her determination paid off when she became one of the youngest officers to achieve the rank of Detective III.
A Significant Break in the Case
Although assigned to other cases after Ok Ja Kim’s murder, her thoughts continually returned to the unsolved crime. "How can I let myself live my day-to-day life without bringing justice to Mrs. Kim and her family?" Kim wondered.
The breakthrough came in April 2025 when Erick Escamilla was arrested for breaking into an apartment complex and allegedly killing a resident. The suspect’s demeanor sparked a memory for Detective Kim; the security footage shared in 2022 resembled Escamilla’s behavior. Upon reviewing his records, she discovered a troubling history, including an arrest for residential burglary shortly after Ok Ja Kim’s death.
After gathering comprehensive evidence, Detective Kim obtained a confession from Escamilla, confirming his role in the murder of the elderly woman.
Achieving Closure and Inspiring Future Generations
Detective Kim believes the resolution of Ok Ja Kim’s case is a career pinnacle for her, stating that she hopes the 81-year-old can now "read in peace" knowing her killer is behind bars. "I hope I’ve done her some honor by closing the case," Kim reflected.
As an advocate for diversity in law enforcement, Kim encourages aspiring officers to pursue their dreams despite skepticism from others. "If people doubt you, just show through your work ethic that you have what it takes," she advised. She urges the next generation of law enforcement to surround themselves with support and to persist in their aspirations.
