Kwang Chol "KC" Joy: The Infamous Case Behind Netflix's <em>Worst Roommate Ever</em>

Worst Roommate Ever is a true-crime documentary on Netflix that has everybody hooked. The series investigates cases of seemingly normal roommates who turned out to be violent con artists and cold-blooded killers. One roommate in particular that has everybody talking is Kwang Chol "KC" Joy whose heinous crimes are explored in Episode 2, but who is he and where is he now? Newsweek has everything you need to know.

In 2014, KC Joy was found guilty of killing his roommate, Maribel Ramos, a 36-year-old Iraq War veteran. Ramos lived in her apartment in Orange, California after being honorably discharged from the army in 2008 following eight years of service. She and KC met on Craigslist when KC responded to her ad looking for a roommate. Unfortunately, not very much is known about KC before he met Ramos.

Following a tumultuous period in his life, KC's sister shared that he had relocated from California to Tennessee after the death of their parents. Around this same time, KC had lost his job and had a falling out with his sister over inheritance money. She even mentioned obtaining a restraining order against him due to his violent temper.

Understanding KC Joy's Background

KC Joy's life before meeting Maribel Ramos is shrouded in mystery. Not much is documented about his personal history, making it difficult to understand the factors that led to his violent actions. His relationship with Maribel was initially seen as friendly; however, it was revealed that KC may have sought a deeper connection than friendship.

The Events Leading to Maribel's Disappearance

On May 3, 2013, Maribel's family reported her as missing after they were unable to reach her. KC also told the authorities she had not come home the previous evening. The last sighting of Ramos was captured on CCTV at 8:30 p.m. on May 2, 2013, at the apartment complex front desk.

Two weeks later, on May 17, 2013, Ramos' body was discovered in a shallow grave in Modjeska Canyon, California. She was identified via dental records, and her cause of death has never been determined. The investigation initially led the police to Ramos' boyfriend, Paul Lopez, who had spoken to her on the night she went missing.

Lopez indicated that Maribel had argued with KC that same day over unpaid rent. Following this argument, Maribel had asked KC to move out, which likely escalated tensions. Just ten days before her disappearance, Ramos had even contacted the police, expressing her fear of living with KC and stating that she had been sleeping with a machete for protection.

KC Joy's Arrest and Trial

After the discovery of Ramos' body, KC became a prime suspect. His search history revealed that he had been researching how long it took for a human body to decompose and looking for deserted areas in Modjeska Canyon. This alarming evidence led the authorities directly to Ramos' body.

Despite his insistence on innocence, KC Joy was charged with second-degree murder. In court, the prosecution argued that he had lashed out at Maribel due to rejection and desperation. However, KC's defense claimed that Maribel could have died from a medical condition, leaving KC to panic and dispose of her body. Ultimately, he was convicted and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

The Aftermath and Current Status

Today, KC Joy remains incarcerated at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad, California. He has continuously denied any involvement in the murder of Maribel Ramos. His requests for a retrial have also been denied, with KC stating in court, "Family wants me to apologize, which I cannot apologize for something I haven't done."

In a twist, KC Joy is reportedly writing a book titled Suspect, Guilty Until Proven Innocent, although it has not yet been published. He is eligible for parole in April 2022, having served just nine years of his sentence. Worst Roommate Ever is currently streaming on Netflix, capturing the chilling narrative of KC Joy and Maribel Ramos.