Driver Booked on Suspicion of Murder

Murder charges will be sought against a 19-year-old Glendale man who police believe was drinking and driving about double the speed limit before a crash that killed three people, authorities said Wednesday.

Elliott Hyoguk Park was the sole survivor of the head-on collision Monday in the 2300 block of North Silver Lake Boulevard.

The crash killed Park’s passenger, Andy Jung Kim, 20, of Glendale; the driver of the second vehicle, Soo Wan Lee, 47, of Los Angeles; and Lee’s passenger, Richard Muk Yi, 53, of La Palma in Orange County.

The names of Lee and Yi were released without the standard family notification because officials have exhausted all leads in tracking down relatives, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s spokesman David Campbell.

“We hate to have [family members] find out in the newspapers, but we don’t know what else to do,� he said.

Campbell said the last address for Lee was several years old.

Park was in critical but stable condition at County-USC Medical Center with undisclosed injuries.

He was booked Tuesday on suspicion of murder and remains at the hospital under guard. Authorities set bail at $1 million.

“The investigation determined that the guidelines for murder had been met,� said Officer Jack Richter of the Los Angeles Police Department. “The high rate of speed, three people dying, officers believing he is responsible.�

Park was driving south about 2:20 a.m. Monday when he lost control on a slight curve, authorities said. Police estimated his speed was at least 70 mph in a 35-mph zone.

The car crossed over the double yellow lines into oncoming traffic and hit a car driven by Lee.

Investigators have included alcohol as a possible factor in the crash because of evidence at the accident scene, Officer Jason Lee said. He would not elaborate.

Coroner’s officials are asking for the public’s help in locating Yi’s and Lee’s families, Campbell said.

Anyone with information is asked to call (323) 343-0755.