Follow-up·October 10, 2023

Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Cynthia Chan conducted a case management visit regarding the death of two Residents. LPA met with Licensee/Administrator, Jung “Eunice” Kim and explained the purpose of the visit. On 6/24/23, The News reported a double homicide that occurred at the facility. A facility staff arrived in the morning and found 2 residents inside the restroom floor and were unresponsive. The staff immediately called 911 to report the incident. This prompted the department to conduct a visit to the facility. On 6/25/23, Regional Manager Araceli Ramirez and LPA Kimberly Ramirez conducted a health and safety check at the facility and gathered documents pertaining to Resident #1 (R1), Resident #2 (R2), Staff #1 (S1), and Staff #2 (S2). During the visit on 06/25/23, it was discovered that S1 was arrested for the murder of two residents of the facility. Due to the nature of the deaths, the Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division Investigation Branch (IB) Investigator, Ryan Miles conducted a further investigation. Investigator Miles interviewed the licensee/administrator, Jung Kim, S1 and S2. Investigator also obtained the L.A. County Sherriff’s report and 911 calls made to the Walnut Sheriff’s Station. On 8/24/23, Investigator Miles interviewed the suspect while in custody and admitted to the murder of both residents but did not want to go into further details of how the incident occurred. The investigation revealed that S1 started working and residing at the facility on 06/01/23. However, S1’s background clearance did not clear until 06/16/23. Therefore, the licensee allowed S1 to begin working and residing at the facility prior to completing a criminal record clearance. On 06/30/23, the licensee was issued an immediate civil penalty of $500 for allowing S1 to work in the facility prior to obtaining a background clearance. Based on the interviews conducted and supporting documents provided, there is sufficient evidence to support the allegation of Conduct Inimical, therefore, the finding is substantiated. An Immediate Civil Penalty of $500 is being issued today. Refer to LIC421IM. The issuance of an additional Civil Penalty is being assessed based on health and safety code 1569.49(e) if the department determines the death of the client is due to neglect. An exit interview was held. A copy of this report, LIC421IM, and appeal rights were given to the licensee.