Robert Chae
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This episode of True Crime All The Time examines the 2009 murder of Robert Che, a respected Korean-American businessman from North Wales, Pennsylvania, during a brutal home invasion. The crime was meticulously planned by Robert’s nephew, Angelo Shin, who sought to impress his criminal associates by revealing the location of his uncle’s safe, which he believed contained $100,000. Despite claiming he didn’t intend for anyone to be hurt, Angelo’s insider knowledge enabled a group of five others—including Joseph Page, Amitati Latham, and Kari Pitts—to carry out the robbery. The attackers, who entered without masks and left behind critical evidence like DNA and cell phone records, tied up the family, beat Robert Che to death with duct tape suffocating him, and fled with $20,000 in cash and valuables. The case unraveled through forensic evidence, witness testimony, and confessions, leading to multiple convictions. While Page and Latham were sentenced to life in prison, Pitts was acquitted due to lack of direct evidence, and Angelo Shin received 20 to 40 years for his role as the mastermind. The episode underscores the devastating consequences of betrayal, the fragility of trust, and how a single decision to impress friends can lead to irreversible tragedy.
Angelo Shin’s decision to reveal his uncle’s safe to criminal associates was the catalyst for a violent murder that could have been prevented.
The lack of masks and the use of burner phones created critical forensic evidence that helped solve the case.
Even without physically committing the murder, being the planner and insider can result in severe legal consequences.
Victims’ families often struggle with the betrayal by someone they trusted, especially a blood relative.
The justice system’s response varied based on the level of involvement and evidence, with some receiving life sentences while others were acquitted.
Introduction and Patreon Shoutouts
The hosts open the episode with a warm welcome, discuss their personal lives, and acknowledge Patreon supporters, including Natasha Jones, Tony Mathis, Yana, Don Birch, Lulu, Justine, Brianna, Michelle, Suzanne Jackson, and Dana Stark.
Robert Che: A Life of Hard Work and Community Service
The hosts detail Robert Che’s background—born in South Korea, moved to the U.S. to pursue the American Dream, built a successful Korean beauty supply business in Philadelphia, and was known for hiring the homeless and funding college scholarships.
The Night of the Home Invasion
On January 9, 2009, Robert and Janice Che left for work at 5 a.m. as usual. Three masked gunmen attacked Robert in the garage, tied up the family, and forced Janice to open the safe. She escaped and alerted a neighbor, while the attackers fled.
The Brutal Death and Investigation Breakthroughs
Robert Che died from asphyxiation caused by blood clotting in his nose, sealed by excessive duct tape. Investigators found evidence of pre-planning, including burner phone records and a garbage collector’s sighting of a suspicious SUV.
Angelo Shin: The Mastermind Behind the Crime
“He told them there was a hundred thousand dollars. It turned out there wasn't anywhere near that much in there, but still 2000, 15,000 to betray your own family.”
“The judge called the crime cold-blooded, saying there can be no justification whatsoever for what occurred. This defendant is not capable, in my judgment, of rehabilitation.”
“We all know who the real bad person is. He's the person who started it. We believe that if it wasn't for him, everything would be normal.”
“He told them there was a hundred thousand dollars. It turned out there wasn't anywhere near that much in there, but still 2000, 15,000 to betray your own family.”
Hosts
Robert Che
person
Angelo Shin
person
Joseph Page
person
Janice Che
person
Amitati Latham
person
Kari Pitts
person
Robert Eatman
person
Julius Wise
person
Sybil White
person
Philadelphia
place
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