On Sunday, March 10, 2024, police discovered five members of a local family dead in what is being investigated as a murder-suicide in the Manoa district of Honolulu, Hawaii. 

Responding to an anonymous call about a disturbance, Honolulu police arrived at a residential home at 8:30 a.m. but initially left after receiving no response. 

A subsequent call led officers back to the property at around 9:15 a.m., where they made a discovery. Inside, they found a woman, 46, and her three children, aged 10, 12, and 17, all fatally stabbed. The father, 48, was also found dead. 

Lieutenant Deena Thoemmes suggested that initial findings identify the father as the perpetrator. “The current evidence and investigation suggest that the man was responsible for the deaths of the woman and the young individuals, using a knife found at the location. We are still looking into the motive behind these actions,” stated Lt. Thoemmes.

She further revealed that there had been no prior domestic disturbance calls to the home, leaving the motive behind the incident unclear. Early reports from witnesses mentioned an argument in the household that morning.

Chief Joe Logan of the Honolulu Police Department remarked that this incident is the most severe criminal act on Oahu since the 1999 Xerox shootings, which resulted in seven fatalities. Logan described the scene of the crime as deeply distressing for the officers who first arrived.

“This is not something that typically occurs in Hawaii,” Logan mentioned during a press briefing on Sunday.

Neighbors, who knew the family as an integral part of the local fabric, expressed disbelief. They recall the children playing outside and the family’s festive spirit, especially noticeable during the holiday seasons. Last Christmas, however, there was a distinct lack of decorations, hinting at unseen chaos.

Although the identities of those involved have yet to be disclosed, the local community is extending support to individuals impacted by this tragedy.

A communication from Manoa Elementary School to parents mentioned that a team specializing in crisis intervention would be available to offer support to students and staff.

Iolani School organized a meeting for its students, faculty, and staff earlier today and plans to have counseling services available throughout the upcoming week.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “This incomprehensible loss shakes the foundation of our community. My heart goes out to the friends and family of those lost, and I urge our community to come together with compassion and support during this extremely difficult time.”

The investigation remains active, with authorities piecing together the events leading up to this heartbreaking incident.