Mark Kim could not hold back tears as he spoke about his son, 27-year-old Phillip Kim.
“He is my treasure. He is the best son in the world,” said Kim.
Kim said his son had plans to return to the University of Southern California and was driving for Lyft to save up for his education. He said Phillip had dreams of becoming a pilot.
On Feb. 26, his dreams were shattered.
Phillip was driving for Lyft when he arrived near Ward Street. Witnesses told officers Phillip was pulled out of his car, robbed, and shot several times.
OUR FIRST REPORT: Lyft driver killed, carjacked on Houston’s southside, vehicle found in a ditch
Investigators said three unknown men took off with his car that was later found in a ditch a few blocks away. Phillip’s father knew something was wrong, when his son did not pick up his phone. He started checking the air tag on his keychain.
“The car was moving to another spot after one hour later, no calls moving,” Kim said. “His phone was dead. I thought something was strange. I checked the Google Map; the car parking location was the Houston Department parking lot, and I thought there was something wrong. I asked the policeman why my car is here. Where is my son? What happened? And the policeman gave me the phone number to the Houston Homicide Department office.”
Kim said HPD contacted him on Tuesday to tell him an arrest had been made in the case, but the two other men are still on the run.
KPRC 2 reached out to HPD who said they are still following up on leads and the case is ongoing. Kim is hoping for justice.
“I want to just ask why. Why? My son,” Kim said. “He is just trying to get money. He didn’t do anything wrong. I don’t know why innocent people are being picked on.”
Within two weeks of Phillip’s murder, HPD said two other rideshare drivers were carjacked in the same area. Kim is hoping Lyft can notify drivers about dangerous incidents if they are responding to areas where they occurred.
Lyft sent KPRC2 a statement after Kim’s death:
“Our hearts are with the driver’s family and loved ones in the midst of this terrible tragedy. We have reached out to offer support during this difficult time, and we are working with law enforcement on their ongoing investigation.”
Those with any information about the Philip’s death are urged to contact HPD or Crimestoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
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