'Murdered over a wig': Teen shoplifters charged with murder for death of LA store owner

Two teenagers are facing murder charges related to the stabbing death of a Los Angeles Fashion District store owner.

Du Young “Tommy” Lee, a 56-year-old South Korean immigrant owned and ran a wig shop in the downtown Los Angeles district for about 20 years. On Saturday afternoon, he reportedly tried to stop two teens from shoplifting from his business, reports Fox 11.

The incident escalated into a struggle where one teen pulled out a knife and stabbed Lee to death.

"They were looking at a wig. And then all of a sudden they made a run for it. Tommy had a record of being tough and going after robbers," the shopping center’s landlord told Fox 11 on Sunday. "He started chasing them around shopping center and then the boy pulled out a knife and shanked him right in the heart."

"I don’t think he ever imagined he would be murdered over a wig," the landlord added.

The two suspects were arrested but their names have not been released because they are minors.

On Wednesday, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced charges against the two 17-year-old suspects – one count of murder and one count of second-degree robbery for each.

“Mr. Lee was killed in the middle of the day on a busy street in downtown L.A. while simply trying to run his business.” Gascón said in a statement.

“His death is a tremendous loss for his friends, family and all who knew him. I want to make it clear that my office will work diligently to hold accountable individuals who engage in violent acts – even if they are minors.”

Lee leaves behind a 25-year-old daughter who created a GoFundMe to fund two funeral services – one in the U.S. and one back in his South Korean hometown.

His daughter recounts how neighboring store owners appreciated Lee’s spirit. One told her, “Tommy wasn’t fighting for himself, he was protecting all the small business owners there. Because if you just let them steal easily, they are going to keep coming back. He was more like a brave heroic figure to us.”