Attorney for Twin Impugns Her Sister

An attorney for a young woman charged with trying to kill her twin sister and assume her identity said Wednesday that he believes his client’s sibling is using the “sensational” media coverage of the unusual case for financial gain.

Deputy Public Defender Roger Alexander, who is representing Jeen Young Han, said his client’s sister, Sunny Han, has taken her story on the television circuit and might have been paid for a recently taped a segment of the Leeza Gibbons talk show.

“I just find it real interesting [Sunny Han] is taking advantage of this situation and making a living out of it,” Alexander told reporters Wednesday outside Municipal Court, where his client appeared for a hearing.

Jeen Young Han is accused of recruiting two teenagers to help her kill her sister to escape a checkered past that included using stolen credit cards.

The three armed themselves with a gun as they headed to Sunny Han’s Irvine home, police said.

Sunny Han, 22, managed to call police before she and her roommate were bound and gagged and placed in a bathtub, officials said.

Jeen Young Han and one of the teens fled when authorities arrived but were later arrested as they tried to buy a new car using Sunny Han’s credit card and identification, officials said.

Sunny Han could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Her sister has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In court Wednesday, Alexander requested copies of any contract Sunny Han had with Paramount Pictures, the producer of the television talk show.

He also asked for a copy of the segment, which is due to air on or around Feb. 6, according to court papers.

Paramount Pictures filed response papers saying that such information is confidential.