A Florida mom and business owner, Ilson Miriam Kim, 64, was killed on December 6 while trying to stop shoplifters at her beauty supply store, Beauty Max, in Jacksonville, Florida. The two suspects, along with a getaway driver, entered the store, with one of the suspects grabbing items and fleeing. An employee followed the suspect to the car, which was being driven by the getaway driver. Kim was taken to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries.
Kim’s husband has stated that the store had been experiencing recurring shoplifting problems, and this time, Kim decided to take action by chasing after the suspects. Neighbors reported that Kim had had enough of the thefts and was trying to stop the shoplifters.
Despite the danger, Ilson was trying to protect her store and community, leaving behind two daughters and a husband. The incident occurred just weeks before Christmas. The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made.
In the midst of the tragedy, Kim’s family is remembering her as a proud mother, wife, businesswoman, and community leader. She immigrated to the United States from South Korea in 1986 in search of better opportunities. A fundraising page has been set up to support her family, where it’s noted that Kim “taught her daughters the power of hard work, persistence, empathy and love.” The family is grieving the loss of their loved one and struggling to navigate life without her.