Two people were killed and three others injured when gunfire erupted inside a Carrollton Korean market Tuesday morning during what police describe as a business dispute, authorities said.
Seung Ho Han, 69, was arrested in connection with the shootings that left the tight-knit North Texas community reeling, Carrollton Police Chief Roberto Arredondo confirmed. Investigators allege the violence stemmed from financial disagreements between business associates.
Police first responded at 9:57 a.m. to the 4000 block of State Highway 121 at K Towne Plaza, where officers found four adults with gunshot wounds inside Gwang Jang Korean Market. One man was pronounced dead at the scene. The victims had been meeting with Han for a business matter when gunfire erupted, according to investigators.
Just over an hour later, at 11:13 a.m., officers were called to a second shooting in Carrollton's Koreatown area near I-35 and the George Bush Turnpike. Police discovered a second deceased adult male inside an apartment on Old Denton Road. Detectives later determined both shootings were carried out by the same suspect.
Background
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner on Wednesday identified one of the two people killed as 63-year-old Sung Rae Cho of Denton. The second victim remained unidentified at the time of this report. Han allegedly confessed to shooting all five victims during interviews with detectives, telling investigators he was angry due to financial disagreements related to their business dealings.
The violence sent shockwaves through Carrollton's Korean-American community, which members described as a close-knit neighborhood where families have operated businesses for generations. Several nearby establishments were forced to close as police swarmed the area, and some employees were told to shelter in place while investigators processed the scenes.
Richard Gossman, who works across the street from K Towne Plaza, described the chaotic scene. "All we saw was just ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars flying down the street," he said. "First thing we heard was just sirens, and then we were all just looking out, trying to see what's going on, but you can't see anything. They've got most of it contained, but we just see a bunch of cops across the street. It's usually a pretty quiet area."
The Investigation
Carrollton police have been working closely with federal partners as the investigation continues. The FBI and Texas Department of Public Safety are assisting local authorities. CBS Texas Chopper footage showed a large law enforcement response involving multiple agencies converging on both scenes.
Chief Arredondo addressed the community's grief during a press conference. "The city of Carrollton and our partner agencies extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have perished," he said. "We continue to lift them up and have healing ahead of them."
Key Takeaways
- Seung Ho Han, 69, was arrested in connection with two shootings that left two people dead and three injured
- Police allege the violence stemmed from a business dispute involving financial disagreements
- One victim identified as Sung Rae Cho, 63, of Denton; second victim remains unidentified
- Both shootings occurred within approximately an hour of each other at separate locations in Carrollton's Koreatown area
- Han allegedly confessed to shooting all five victims during police interviews
What's Next
Police say the investigation remains ongoing. No charges had been formally filed at the time of this report, as authorities continued building their case. The community is expected to hold a vigil for the victims as the Korean-American population in North Texas processes the unexpected violence that shattered what residents describe as a peaceful neighborhood.
Anyone with additional information about the shootings or the business relationship between the suspect and victims has been urged to contact Carrollton police detectives.