A prisoner released on a work furlough programme is facing multiple serious charges after allegedly murdering his girlfriend and then using her car to travel to his estranged wife's home, where he stabbed her repeatedly in a violent attack witnessed by their teenage son.
Chronology of a Violent Day
According to court documents obtained by Hawaii News Now, 55-year-old John Nihipali Sr entered the apartment he shared with his 53-year-old girlfriend at approximately 10:30 AM on March 5. Surveillance footage and witness statements indicate he left the residence alone around 2:45 PM, taking his partner's vehicle keys with him.
Police believe he fatally stabbed his girlfriend during this four-hour window before departing. Officers later arrived at the apartment and pronounced the woman dead at the scene.
Attack on Estranged Wife
Nihipali Sr then drove to the home of his 53-year-old estranged wife. Their 15-year-old son arrived home with his mother at about 4:15 PM. Shortly after both went to separate bedrooms, the teenager heard his mother screaming.
When the son rushed to investigate, he allegedly found his mother on the ground in a pool of blood with his father standing over her holding an eight-inch knife. The courageous teenager reportedly grabbed his father's weapon-wielding hand as his injured mother managed to escape outside.
Critical Injuries SustainedHonolulu Police Department officers responding to the scene discovered the victim had suffered multiple severe cuts to the left side of her face and neck, with additional wounds across the left side of her body and torso. She was transported to hospital in critical condition.
Confrontation and Arrest
Nihipali Sr allegedly told his son to release him, promising he wouldn't harm the teenager. After the son chased his father from the house, police arrived to find Nihipali Sr still holding the knife at approximately 4:25 PM.
When he failed to comply with commands to drop the weapon, an officer deployed a Taser to subdue him. Notably, Nihipali Sr was wearing a court-ordered ankle monitor at the time as part of his work furlough programme.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Nihipali Sr appeared in court on Monday facing multiple felony charges including murder in the second degree, attempted murder in the first degree, attempted murder in the second degree, burglary in the first degree, and escape in the second degree.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Julia Kaneshiro argued successfully for the defendant to be held without bail, stating: "There is no question that the defendant here is charged with multiple serious crimes that qualify. There is a serious risk that the person will flee."
Kaneshiro further emphasized the danger Nihipali Sr posed to the community, adding: "This case presented a danger to not only the complainants, but the neighbours who were unwillingly dragged in and witnessed the complainant, the estranged wife, covered in blood and stab wounds."
A judge ordered Nihipali Sr to remain in custody without bail as the case continues to develop, with the investigation revealing disturbing details about the sequence of events that left one woman dead and another fighting for her life.
