A Florida mother and business owner was reportedly killed trying to stop shoplifters at her beauty supply store, leaving behind two daughters and a husband just weeks before Christmas.
Ilson Miriam Kim, 64, was attempting to intervene with thieves at her store, Beauty Max, located on Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, on the evening of December 6. Tragically, the suspects fatally ran her over with their vehicle.
According to Sgt. Steve Rudlaff of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, "Two individuals entered the business, one grabbed several items, and ran out of the store with those items." A store employee pursued the suspect to the car waiting outside. At least three suspects were involved—two entered the store, and one drove the getaway vehicle. The police reports indicate one suspect got inside the car with the stolen goods, and another fled on foot.
Despite being rushed to the hospital after being struck, Kim succumbed to her injuries. Her husband revealed the store had been facing persistent shoplifting problems, but this time Kim decided to take action herself.
Reported by Action News JAX, her husband stated, "She worked alongside her husband for much of her life, but Beauty Max was the first business she independently owned." The family shared, "We don’t know exactly why she decided to confront the shoplifters, but the store had experienced thefts in the recent past.” A neighboring business owner recalled, "This time, she had finally had enough."
The family's heartache was compounded when they learned someone stole from the store the very day after Kim's death. They reported, "Ilson was a proud mother, wife, businesswoman, and store owner. She taught her daughters the power of hard work, persistence, empathy, and love; she exemplified these qualities with the grace and love she showed to others in her community on a daily basis." Her death has sent shockwaves throughout the community.
An investigation is still underway, with no arrests having been made yet. The death of Kim marks one of the 57 homicides reported this year by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Though this figure indicates some reduction from the 118 homicides recorded all year, each incident reveals chilling realities of crime affecting residents.
Mad Dads, along with First Coast Crimestoppers, has joined the effort to solicit public assistance to identify the suspects involved. A spokesperson emphasized the need for help, stating, "We need the community to stand with us, to stand with Ilson’s family, and to protect them by bringing these individuals to justice." Their pleas reflect the growing concern over safety among business owners and the potential consequences of confronting criminals.
Kim's family described her as the backbone of their home, emphasizing her role as the matriarch now gone. "The Kims are a strong, proud family, and Ilson was a true matriarch who they must now learn how to navigate life without," they conveyed. The pain and grief underline how deeply her loss will resonate within her family and the community.
The tragedy of Kim’s death exemplifies the alarming trend of shoplifting-related violence. Several businesses across the nation are facing similar threats, leading many to rethink their approach to security and when to confront suspects. Local authorities are urging business owners to prioritize personal safety over property recovery.
Through all this turmoil, the incident brings the discussion about the need for safety measures and support for business owners to the forefront. Advocates argue for increased community awareness and responsibility to help protect small businesses from losses and violence.
Kim’s story serves as both an unfortunate reminder and insightful commentary on the dangers faced by small business owners, especially when confronting crime. With the investigation still active, city officials, police, and community organizations are hoping for answers and justice for Ilson Kim and her family.
