Paul Hyon Kim, 36, the suspect in the Tesla service center arson case in Las Vegas, is requesting a review of his detention order, arguing that errors in translation during court proceedings led to a denial of bail.
Attorney cites mistranslation in court testimony
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal on April 7, Kim, who has been indicted by both federal and Nevada state prosecutors, is currently undergoing arraignment in federal court. The court had previously issued a detention order based on statements from Kim’s mother, who resides in Seattle.
On April 4, Kim’s attorney, Adam Solinger, filed a motion asking a higher court to review the detention order issued by Magistrate Judge Elayna Youchah. Solinger argued that the judge’s decision was influenced by mistranslations of Kim’s mother’s testimony.
He claimed that Kim’s mother, who speaks limited English, inaccurately described her relationship with her son during the initial hearing. Solinger added that the interpreter paraphrased her testimony instead of providing a direct translation, which caused confusion.
Discrepancies and limited testimony cited
The attorney also argued that other family members, including Kim’s father and siblings, were not given a chance to testify, limiting the court’s understanding of Kim’s family ties.
At the time, Kim’s mother had been designated as his custodian in the event he was released on bail. However, she initially stated in court that she had minimal contact with her son. Later, during a March 31 hearing, she revised her statement, saying that she regularly video-called him while he played online games with his brother.
Judge Youchah ultimately denied bail, citing inconsistencies in the testimony and concerns over weakened family bonds. The judge concluded there was insufficient assurance that the defendant’s release would not pose a risk.
Details of the Tesla arson incident
Kim was arrested eight days after allegedly vandalizing the Tesla service center at 6260 West Badura Avenue in Las Vegas on March 18. Authorities say he fired shots at parked Tesla vehicles and threw Molotov cocktails, setting more than five vehicles on fire.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted a joint investigation leading to Kim’s arrest.
Kim has been charged in Nevada state court with arson, possession of explosives, and shooting at a vehicle. Federal prosecutors have also charged him with unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm.
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
