JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. — A United States Army soldier pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to several charges related to the murder of a cab driver in Tukwila in January.
Private Jonathan Lee is facing several charges, including premeditated murder, murder while perpetrating a robbery, desertion, resisting arrest, wrongful use of controlled substance and military order violations.
His arraignment took place at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), overseen by a 6th Judicial Circuit military judge.
Lee is accused of killing 34-year-old Nick Hokema, a cab driver, and stealing his car while on the run for sexual assault crimes involving children. Hokema’s body was found outside the Southcenter Mall in Tukwila on Jan. 15.
The army said Private Lee was last seen on base the day before, on Jan. 14, and deserted his post. He was convicted at a court-martial on Jan. 19, 2024, while he was still missing. The Army found Lee on Jan. 26 and he was taken into custody.
Pre-trial motions will take place on Nov. 5 and Jan. 3, 2025. Lee’s trial is expected to be held March 3-14, 2025.
Lee remains in confinement at JBLM, serving a 64-year sentence for the felony sexual assault crimes.
