YONGIN, South Korea -- South Korea is in talks with New Zealand to have a South Korean fugitive extradited at an earlier date in connection with his suspected murder of three family members, prosecutors said Monday.
The 35-year-old man, identified only by his family name Kim, is suspected of killing his mother, stepfather and 14-year-old half-brother in South Korea on Oct. 21 before fleeing to New Zealand with his wife and two young daughters last Monday.
Kim, who was arrested on Sunday by New Zealand police on a separate charge of historic theft, appeared to attend a hearing at Auckland's North Shore District Court the same day.
South Korean police earlier sought cooperation from New Zealand authorities in determining Kim's whereabouts, his custody and extradition. South Korea has an extradition treaty with New Zealand.
The result of the trial for Kim on the theft charge, the details of which are not known, is expected to determine when he will be extradited, the official said.
New Zealand has also signed a treaty with South Korea to facilitate mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, increasing the prospect of bringing Kim to justice here.
South Korean prosecutors have asked the court to extend his detainment until he would be extradited to South Korea, as the man, who holds New Zealand citizenship, is feared to be released prior to his extradition given that his charge is believed to be subject to trial without detention.
The New Zealand authorities have remained cautious about the procedures for Kim's extradition. A spokesman for New Zealand police was quoted by a local newspaper as saying, "Extradition proceedings have not been received, for that reason, police cannot add anything further at this stage."
The spokesman also said New Zealand Police are continuing to interrogate the suspect and liaise with Korean authorities through Interpol.
Kim is accused of killing his mother and half-brother on Oct. 23 in the city of Yongin, south of Seoul, before murdering his stepfather the same day in Pyeongchang in northeastern South Korea. (Yonhap)
