Man charged in fatal stabbing at religious center

FREDERICK, Md. — A Virginia man faces a slew of charges in connection with a deadly stabbing at a religious center in Frederick County Sunday night.

Song Kim, 30, of Falls Church, is charged with first- and second-degree murder, attempted first- and second-degree murder and two counts of first-degree assault.

“The scene was very bloody, it was very bothersome to the deputies who went in there,” said Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins.

A man was killed and his wife was seriously injured Sunday night at the Anna Prayer Counseling and Retreat Center in the Urbana area. Their names have not been released.

“Both victims suffered multiple stab wounds, multiple slashes and severe cuts,” Jenkins said.

The husband died at the scene and his wife was flown to the Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. The victims were stabbed in front of a small group of people who were gathered in a room at the center. Kim allegedly attacked the couple toward the end of the gathering as the group was praying.

“Kim came out of the kitchen with a knife and stabbed the victims,” Jenkins said.

Investigators are still working to determine a motive.

“We do know this young man was staying at this retreat center for about five days before the stabbing,” Jenkins added.

Kim called 911 a day before the attack and complained about the quality of food he was being served. He again called 911 after the stabbing and told authorities he was waiting to be arrested, Jenkins said.

Kim was taken into custody without incident when deputies arrived at the scene.

Nick Iannelli

Nick Iannelli can be heard covering developing and breaking news stories on WTOP.

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