Defence Expert Revises Insanity Opinion in Auckland Suitcase Murders Trial
The shift follows Crown questioning that highlighted planning steps and timing which pointed to an awareness of moral wrongfulness.
Overview
- Forensic psychiatrist Dr Yvette Kelly, the defence’s sole witness, told jurors she now accepts Hakyung Lee knew the moral wrongfulness of her actions.
- Lee has admitted causing the deaths of her children and storing their remains, maintaining an insanity plea linked to severe depression after her husband's 2017 death while representing herself with standby counsel.
- The Crown underscored alleged planning, citing a June 27, 2018 name‑change application and purchases of duct tape and bin liners, followed by steps to conceal the bodies and later travel to South Korea.
- Police said CCTV that might have shown movements at the storage facility is unavailable because the site’s 2018 hard drive was replaced or destroyed in late 2021, and no nortriptyline was found in the locker.
- A digital analyst testified the family PlayStation showed Minecraft trophy data last updated on June 27, 2018, though the precise timing and user activity could not be determined, with further cross‑examination due when court resumes Friday.