The tragic death of Candace Kho, a young mother from Oklahoma, has sent shockwaves through her community. Found deceased in a submerged truck alongside her ex-husband, George Kho (also known as Dakota), in July, the details surrounding Candace’s passing have been slowly unraveling, revealing a deeply disturbing story of domestic abuse, custody battles, and ultimately, murder.
Initially, police attributed Candace’s death to “some sort of violent encounter.” However, the medical examiner’s report paints a clearer, albeit grim, picture: Candace suffered multiple stab wounds and showed signs of asphyxiation. This revelation adds a chilling layer to an already horrific incident, one that has left Candace’s family grappling with grief and seeking justice for their beloved daughter.
Adding to the heartbreak, the couple’s three young daughters, aged 5, 7, and 9, are now left without their mother. The weight of this tragedy extends far beyond Candace’s immediate family. It serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the urgent need for awareness, intervention, and support for victims and their families.
Candace Kho, a young mother from Oklahoma, was tragically murdered by her ex-husband.
Candace’s mother, Theresa Hill, and Detective John Singer of the Claremore Police Department, who led the investigation, sat down to discuss the case and its devastating ripple effects. Their insights provide a glimpse into the complex dynamics of abuse, the challenges of navigating custody disputes, and the long road to healing for those left behind.
Theresa, battling immense grief, shared her perspective on the harrowing ordeal, stating, “It’s not just rough knowing that my grandchildren are without their mother, but how their mother died.” This sentiment underscores the profound emotional toll of losing a loved one to violence, a pain that reverberates through generations.
The custody battle, as Theresa reveals, was incredibly contentious, with accusations and counter-accusations adding to the already strained relationship between Candace and George. Theresa was particularly concerned about the emotional well-being of her granddaughters, who were exposed to the toxic environment created by their parents’ ongoing conflict.
Theresa recounts, “They had accused Candace of throwing a shoe at the oldest granddaughter,” an accusation that fueled George’s efforts to gain full custody. This relentless pursuit of control, coupled with what Theresa describes as a “very evil hold” George had over Candace, ultimately culminated in tragedy.
Adding another layer of complexity to the case, Detective Singer revealed a chilling detail: the catalyst for George’s murderous rage. It wasn’t solely the custody battle, but rather, one of the daughters disclosing sexual abuse at the hands of her father.
This revelation paints an even darker picture of George, who, upon learning of his daughter’s disclosure, drove from out of state, coaxed Candace to his house, and committed the unthinkable.
Detective John Singer of the Claremore Police Department investigated the case.
Detective Singer, drawing from his years of experience, highlighted the unusual nature of this case compared to other domestic violence homicides. He stated, “This wasn’t a typical domestic violence homicide where there’s lots of abuse that leads up to this terrible thing at the end.” Instead, it was the revelation of George’s own abusive actions towards his daughter that ignited his violent outburst.
This case underscores the insidious nature of abuse, particularly within the context of custody disputes, where children often become pawns in their parents’ battles. As Detective Singer poignantly noted, “These poor little girls have been exposed to this lifelong dispute for them, [it] was never in their best interest.”
The tragic loss of Candace Kho is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the urgent need for greater awareness, support, and resources for victims and their families. The impact of this tragedy extends far beyond the immediate family, leaving a community to grapple with the senseless loss of a young mother and the uncertain future of her three young daughters.
