Police found a family of three dead inside their $1.7 million Georgia home in a suspected domestic murder-suicide on Sunday.
Johns Creek police officers attended the home in Glen Castle Court, inside the gated community of St. Ives Country Club, around 4:14 p.m. on August 31 to carry out a welfare check.
Dentist James Choi, 52, his wife Myoung Choi, 52, and their 15-year-old daughter Grace Choi were found dead inside.
Highlights
- Dentist James Choi allegedly killed his wife and daughter before taking his own life in their $1.7M Georgia home.
- Grace Choi, 15, a talented violinist, recently performed at Carnegie Hall with the True North Symphony.
- Police responded to a welfare check at the gated St. Ives Country Club community, discovering the deaths.
- Mount Pisgah Christian School expressed deep sorrow and requested privacy while supporting grieving students.
- Authorities confirmed there was no threat to public safety; the investigation is ongoing but details are withheld out of respect.
James Choi is suspected of killing his family and himself
Image credits: Highland Dental
Officers believe Choi murdered his wife and daughter before taking his own life.
“This tragic incident has deeply affected not only the family and neighbors, but our entire community,” Johns Creek Chief of Police Mark J. Mitchell said in a statement to 11Alive.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to those impacted and ask that the community keep them in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”
Police will not be releasing specific details regarding the incident out of respect for the family and to protect the investigation.
Grace, a sophomore at Mount Pisgah Christian School, had recently performed at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City with the True North Symphony as a violinist.
Image credits: mpcsfinearts
The school paid tribute to her on social media.
“We are heartbroken and devastated to confirm the untimely death of one of our treasured and beloved students, sophomore, Grace Choi,” Mount Pisgah said in a statement posted to social media.
“We wish to express our deepest condolences and our heartfelt love, support, and prayers to Grace’s extended family, friends, and everyone who is grieving with our school community.”
The school’s fine arts department, which had recently shared Grace’s Carnegie Hall performance, shared a statement on its Instagram story.
“We are completely heartbroken. Grace, you are so loved,” the department wrote.
“You make us so proud and you will always be an integral part of our fine arts family.”
The family lived in $1.7 milion home
Image credits: 11Alive
As reported by Fox5, the school also sent out a statement requesting that the privacy of students be respected.
“The loss of Grace has deeply affected our school community. At this time, our priority is to support the emotional health of our students, helping them process this tragedy and reminding them that they are deeply loved and cared for,” the statement read.
“We respectfully ask for peace and privacy during this difficult period, allowing us to focus on guiding our students and community with compassion and care."
Choi, from South Korea, studied a doctoral dental degree at the University of Tennessee and was working as a practitioner at Highland Dental in Suwanee, according to the practice’s website.
“His primary goal as a practitioner is to make each of his patients smile, which he pursues by treating them as he would treat his own family,” Choi’s bio on the page read.
“When he is not treating patients, Dr. Choi enjoys golf and spending time with his wife and daughter.”
Police said there is no ongoing threat to public safety and believe the incident was isolated. The investigation remains ongoing.