A Georgia dentist is believed to have shot dead his wife and teenage daughter before taking his own life inside their $1.7 million home in Johns Creek, an affluent suburb of Atlanta.
Police found the bodies of James Choi, 52, his wife Myoung, also 52, and their 15-year-old daughter Grace during a welfare check at the St Ives Country Club gated community on Sunday afternoon.
“This tragic incident has deeply affected not only the family and neighbours, but our entire community,” said Johns Creek police chief Mark J. Mitchell. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to those impacted and ask that the community keep them in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”
Authorities have not disclosed the causes of death, citing the integrity of the investigation and respect for surviving relatives.
Choi, originally from South Korea, studied at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, and was a practitioner at Highland Dental in Suwanee. His professional biography described his goal as making patients smile by treating them as he would his own family.
Away from work, he was said to enjoy golf and spending time with his wife and daughter.
Grace, a sophomore at Mount Pisgah Christian School, was remembered by staff as a “treasured and beloved” student. The school said: “We are heartbroken and devastated to confirm the untimely death of one of our treasured and beloved students, sophomore Grace Choi. 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.”
An accomplished violinist, Grace had performed at Carnegie Hall in New York in July with the True North Symphony. Mount Pisgah’s Fine Arts Department wrote: “We are completely heartbroken. Grace, you are so loved. You make us so proud and you will always be an integral part of our fine arts family.”
