The parents of Seorin Kim, a 44-year-old Denver woman who was killed earlier this year, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against her husband, Nicholas Myklebust.
The lawsuit comes as Myklebust faces charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in connection with Seorin’s death and the death of their 2½-month-old daughter, Lesley.
Background and Incident Details
Seorin Kim, 44, and her 2½-month-old daughter, Lesley, died on July 29 at their home in the 3200 block of North Syracuse Street, Denver.
When officers arrived, they found Lesley already deceased and Seorin Kim suffering from fatal injuries near a baby bassinet.
Nicholas Myklebust, the husband and father, had visible injuries including bruises and scratches.
He claimed that Seorin Kim must have fallen from a step stool, but police noted that her injuries did not align with this account, suggesting a physical altercation might have occurred.
Investigators suspect that Myklebust was involved in a struggle, as the numerous injuries on Kim’s body were inconsistent with a fall from a step stool.
Previous Infant Death and Legal Charges
The couple’s first child, Bear Myklebust, died at just 9 days old in 2021 from unspecified causes.
The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner later classified Bear’s death as undetermined and noted a cranial fracture.
Nicholas Myklebust faces charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in connection with Seorin Kim’s death, but he has not been charged in relation to the death of their second child, Lesley.
The cause of Lesley’s death remains under investigation, with no charges filed yet.
The Medical Examiner’s office is continuing to look into the details surrounding both children’s deaths.
Lawsuit Details and Family’s Demands
Seorin Kim’s parents, Younghee and Uhwan Kim, filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Denver District Court.
The lawsuit seeks to prevent Myklebust from profiting from Seorin’s death and alleges that he tried to conceal evidence, including bloody gloves found in the dryer.
They are also seeking economic and noneconomic damages and have requested a jury trial.
Myklebust is scheduled to appear in court on Friday for a status conference in the murder case.
The family hopes that the lawsuit will bring some measure of justice for Seorin and Lesley, and that it will prevent Myklebust from benefitting from his actions.
