In the autumn of 2014, the quiet community of Fishers, Indiana, was shaken by the brutal and random killing of 73-year-old Henry Kim, a man who had moved to the United States from Seoul, South Korea. On the evening of November 1st, Kim, known for his regular walks through his Windemere subdivision, was attacked and killed in Windermere Park. His body was discovered with three gunshot wounds, and his throat had been slashed.
The senseless violence of the act left his family and friends in shock and a peaceful neighborhood gripped with fear.
The investigation quickly focused on a person of interest seen riding a mountain bike and wearing a full-face helmet near the crime scene. A tip led police to 17-year-old Maxwell Winkler, a student at Hamilton Southeastern High School. Investigators soon uncovered disturbing evidence, including handwritten notes in which Winkler detailed a plan for a 'thrill kill,' including selecting a random victim. The murder of Henry Kim appeared to be the tragic execution of this chilling plan, as detectives determined Winkler did not know his victim.
Maxwell Winkler was arrested and charged with murder. He was waived to adult court to face the charges. In a move that acknowledged his mental health issues, Winkler eventually pleaded guilty but mentally ill. During the sentencing hearing, the judge described the crime as 'one of the worst murders.' The court heard statements from Kim's grieving family, including his widow, Sue Kim, and his son, Scott Kim, who spoke of their shattered worlds. Winkler was sentenced to 80 years in prison for the murder.
