Kathy Chang, a 23-year-old Asian American woman from Houston, Texas, tragically lost her life on January 9, 2001, in a mass shooting that claimed the lives of four individuals. Kathy was the daughter of Chung Chang, 58, and Hyun Chang, 54, both of whom were also killed in the same incident. The family operated Amko Trading, a wholesale clothing and perfume business located in Houston.
The perpetrator of the murders was identified as Ki Yung Park, a 54-year-old convenience store owner who
had a history of personal and business disputes with the Chang family. On the day of the attack, Park entered Amko Trading around noon and fatally shot Chung Chang, Hyun Chang, and their daughter Kathy Chang. Witnesses reported that Park declared, “They murdered my family, and now I’m going to murder them,” before opening fire. After the shootings, Park turned the gun on himself and later died at a hospital from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Earlier that same day, Park had also murdered his estranged wife, Byong Sun, age 42, whose body was later discovered inside a cooler at the convenience store they had owned together. Investigators revealed that Park had accused Chung Chang of having an affair with his wife and believed that Chang was attempting to sabotage his business. These suspicions, combined with apparent emotional instability, culminated in the deadly rampage.
No arrests were made in connection with the killings, as the suspect, Ki Yung Park, died by suicide immediately following the murders. The case was closed with the conclusion that Park acted alone in the killings of Kathy Chang, her parents, and his estranged wife. The tragedy left a deep scar in the Houston community and highlighted the devastating consequences of unresolved personal grievances and mental distress.
