Army is investigating Soldier Jonathan Lee for the alleged killing of a cab driver.
Murder victim Nick Hokema was working as a RediCab driver when he was found dead in the parking lot of Southcenter Mall.
The military confirmed Army law enforcement is investigating the January homicide of a cab driver who was killed in the parking lot of Southcenter Mall.
The case is linked to a Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldier who deserted his post while on trial for child rape charges during that time.
The victim’s girlfriend is angry that the Army released Lee from custody while on trial for child rape charges.
Specialist Jonathan Lee was reported missing from the army base on January 14, with subsequent investigations revealing his desertion. Tragically, the day after his disappearance, the lifeless body of Hokema was discovered.
The Army successfully located Lee on January 26 and promptly took him into custody. However, the circumstances surrounding his capture were overshadowed by grave revelations. A statement from the U.S. Army disclosed that Lee was apprehended while serving confinement for sexual assault offenses, for which he had been convicted at a court-martial on January 19, 2024.
Acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, the Army stated, “Spc Lee is currently in military custody serving confinement for sexual assault offenses he was found guilty of at a court-martial on January 19, 2024. Army law enforcement is working with the Tukwila Police Department regarding the murder of Mr. Hokema. As a matter of policy, the Army does not comment on ongoing investigations.”
Lee’s legal woes extended further as he faced sentencing for child sex crimes, resulting in a confinement term of 64 years. The gravity of his offenses, compounded by his absence without leave (AWOL) status, underscores the severity of the situation and the need for justice to be served.
An attorney says the military does not have a bail system for people facing criminal charges.