A violent series of stabbings across two Oahu neighborhoods has left one woman dead, another critically injured, and a 55-year-old furloughed inmate facing multiple felony charges, according to Honolulu police and reporting by the Honolulu Star Advertiser.
Authorities say the suspect, identified as John Keanuenue Nihipali Sr., was participating in a work-furlough program and wearing a court-ordered ankle monitor when the attacks allegedly occurred on Thursday. Investigators believe the violence unfolded over several hours and involved two women connected to him personally.
Police say the first incident took place at an apartment on Fern Street in the McCully neighborhood, where Nihipali’s 53-year-old girlfriend lived with her teenage son. According to homicide Lt. Deena Thoemmes, the woman was stabbed multiple times sometime between 10:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Authorities later discovered she had suffered numerous wounds, including injuries suggesting she tried to defend herself. She was found unresponsive inside the apartment after emergency responders were called to the scene later that afternoon.
The victim’s 15-year-old son reportedly called 911, prompting police and medical personnel to respond to the apartment. Tragically, the woman could not be saved.
Investigators say that after the attack in McCully, the suspect allegedly took the woman’s vehicle and drove to Kapolei, where another violent confrontation unfolded. At a home on Kealiiahonui Street, police say Nihipali attacked his estranged wife, who is also 53.
Authorities believe the suspect entered the residence and stabbed the woman in the neck. Her 30-year-old son intervened during the attack, allowing her to escape. The injured woman then fled to a nearby neighbor’s house and asked them to call 911.
She was transported to The Queen’s Medical Center in critical condition but was later reported to be improving.
When officers arrived in Kapolei, they encountered the suspect outside the home holding a knife, police said. Officers ordered him to drop the weapon, but he allegedly refused. One officer then deployed an electrical-conducted weapon, similar to a Taser, which caused the suspect to fall to the ground. Officers disarmed him and took him into custody.
During the investigation, detectives connected the Kapolei attack to the earlier killing in McCully. Authorities determined the same suspect arrested in Kapolei had allegedly carried out both stabbings earlier that day.
Nihipali now faces a series of serious charges, including second-degree murder, first- and second-degree attempted murder, first-degree burglary, and second-degree escape, according to Honolulu police. He is currently being held without bail.
The case has drawn attention in part because the suspect was participating in a work-furlough program, which allows certain inmates limited release for employment and rehabilitation purposes.
Officials have not yet released further details about the victims or what may have triggered the attacks. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the timeline of the events that unfolded across Oahu.
