Duluth, Georgia – A South Korean woman, Sehee Cho, was found dead in the trunk of a car in September 2023, her body reduced to only 70 pounds. Cho, 33, had been lured to the Atlanta area by a “religious organization” after a traumatic experience, only to be allegedly murdered during an admission process into a religious group known as “Soldiers of Christ.” Prosecutors have accused seven individuals, mostly family members, of holding Cho captive, beating her, dunking her in ice, and starving her to death in their basement.
Law enforcement officials believe they have all suspects in custody, but the discovery has sent shockwaves through the Korean community in Gwinnett County, Georgia. A cult expert mentioned that there may be more similar groups operating in the shadows across the country.
Joonho Lee, identified as the founder of “Soldiers of Christ,” had allegedly received instructions directly from God, according to investigators. The group’s initiation process included beating Cho and other forms of torture, which led to her desire to leave. However, the group allegedly did not allow her to quit, a disturbing trait common in cult activity.
The charges against the suspects include murder, false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, and concealing the death of another. None of the lawyers representing the suspects have immediately responded to requests for comments. Despite this, the tragic and disturbing case of Sehee Cho’s death has shed light on the potential presence of cult-like groups operating within communities across the United States.