WATERTOWN — A Jefferson County judge has approved the conditional release of a man who killed Dustin Vander Heyden with a sword 11 years ago, sparking outrage from the victim's family who fear for their safety.

Young Choi, 40, stabbed and killed Vander Heyden in an unprovoked attack in 2014 inside an apartment above a Watertown bar. Choi pleaded guilty but was found not guilty by mental defect and was sent to a mental health institution.

"He's too dangerous," said Vander Heyden's widow, who asked not to be identified due to safety concerns. "He's very dangerous. We need to protect our community."

The widow said she still grieves for her husband, remembering him as someone who was "always smiling at work" and would help anyone in need.

"We miss D so, so much," she said.

A witness who w

See Full Page