Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 30, 2017, 5:42 p.m.

INCIDENT: Murder Investigation

LOCATION: Victorville Galleria – Indoor Swap Meet, 14560 Palmdale Road, Victorville

VICTIM: Chong Suk Hong, 62-year-old resident of Victorville

SUSPECT: Tom Raymond, 29-year-old resident of Norwalk

SUMMARY:
On Sunday, July 30, 2017, at 5:42 p.m. deputies from the Victorville City Sheriff’s Station and medical aid responded to an unknown problem at the Victorville Galleria – Indoor Swap Meet. The 911 caller reported someone had assaulted a clerk and the suspect was being detained by security. Deputies arrived on scene and found Chong Suk Hong, one of the business owners, suffering from violent injuries. Hong was transported to a local area hospital, but despite lifesaving efforts, Hong was pronounced deceased at 6:32 p.m.

The suspect detained was identified as Tom Raymond. Raymond was transported to the Victorville City Sheriff’s Station, and the Sheriff’s Homicide Detail responded to assume the investigation. Detectives determined Raymond walked into Hong’s place of business (Xtreme Menswear) where he robbed and assaulted her, including repeatedly stabbing her, then attempted to flee. There is no evidence Raymond knew Hong or had ever visited her business in the past.

In the early morning hours of Monday, July 31, 2017, Raymond was transported to the High Desert Detention Center where he was booked for Murder.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Detective Scott Stafford, Sheriff’s Homicide Detail, at (909) 387-3589. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.


Refer: Detective Scott Stafford or Sergeant Robert Warrick

Station: Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail

Phone No. (909) 387-3589

Case No. 171709242 H#2017-73

John McMahon, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department