A prisoner out on work release is accused of murdering his girlfriend and then driving to his estranged wife’s residence to attack her with a knife.
John Nihipali Sr reportedly entered his girlfriend’s apartment around 10:30 a.m. on March 5 and left alone at 2:45 p.m., taking her car to his ex-wife’s house. Upon arrival at his ex-wife’s residence, he encountered her inside.
Later, their 15-year-old son arrived at the house with his mother. After a few minutes, the son heard his mother screaming, and upon investigating, found her on the floor in a pool of blood with his father holding a knife. The son intervened, grabbing his father’s hand, allowing his mother to escape outside.
The son then chased his father out of the house and returned to find his mother with severe cuts on her face, neck, and torso. She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Police reported that the knife used was eight inches long and that Nihipali Sr was eventually subdued by a Taser when he failed to drop the weapon.
Later that day, police discovered Nihipali Sr’s girlfriend dead at their shared flat. Authorities suspect he fatally stabbed her before taking her car keys and heading to his ex-wife’s residence.
Nihipali Sr, who was on a work furlough program at the time with a court-ordered ankle monitor, appeared in court and faced charges including second-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, second-degree attempted murder, first-degree burglary, and second-degree escape. He was denied bail by the judge.
Deputy prosecuting attorney Julia Kaneshiro emphasized the seriousness of the charges against Nihipali Sr, highlighting the risk of flight and danger he poses to the community, including witnesses who saw the violent aftermath.