Tragic consequence of domestic violence

by Lou Mueller

USU Cooperative Extension

On January 15, 2007, Yu-Shang Lin (66) and Yuki Yoshida (26) left Goulding’s Lodge in Monument Valley and drove to Muley Point overlook. They took some pictures, and then Lin drove their rented SUV in a circular pattern and intentionally accelerated off the cliff’s edge, killing them both.

It seems odd that an older Chinese businessman and a young music student from China would make plans to meet in San Juan County. It all began when Lin met Yuki, an aspiring musician, in a Tokyo night club in 2006. The timeline is incomplete, but Lin offered to pay all expenses so Yuki could attend Berklee College of Music in Boston. In return, Yuki agreed to a romantic relationship with Lin.

While in Boston, however, Yuki began dating someone and wanted to end her agreement with Lin. In December of 2006, Lin entered the United States for a traveling holiday with Yuki. When Lin realized that Yuki was ending the relationship, he sexually assaulted her.

Yuki returned to Boston on January 7 and Lin flew back to Japan. Then Lin called Yuki and apologized, begging her to see him once more and offering Yuki $20,000 if she would fly to Las Vegas and meet him. Yuki met Lin in Las Vegas on January 13. Lin rented an SUV and drove Yuki to Monument Valley, where they stayed on January 14.

Photos from a digital camera found in Yuki’s pocket show a sullen faced Yuki, sometimes with arms crossed, forcing a smile. They also indicate that Yuki may have been sexually assaulted the previous night.

Following an extensive investigation, the National Park Service, working with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, ruled this case a murder/suicide.

This tragic story is only one of many that contributed to Utah’s 18 domestic violence related deaths in 2007. It is crucial to realize that domestic violence occurs in all communities, without respect to income, ethnicity, culture, gender, age or disability.

Be aware of serious risk factors: physical violence that increases in frequency and severity, threats with weapons or threats against your life, threats of suicide, attempted strangulation, forced sex, violence against children or animals, violence outside the home, and other controlling behaviors.

Leaving can be a very dangerous time. Break the cycle of violence by telling someone. Work with an advocate to create a safety plan that can help you and your children escape. Call the Domestic Violence Link Line at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). Remember, domestic violence can turn deadly. There’s no excuse for abuse. Get help today.