A man in Hawaii who was participating in a work furlough program has been taken back into custody after police say he carried out two separate stabbing attacks in different towns. Authorities allege the man stabbed both his estranged wife and his girlfriend on the same day, leaving one woman dead and the other seriously injured.
Suspect Arrested After Two Stabbing Incidents
Police arrested 55-year-old John Nihipali after receiving reports of a stabbing at a home in Kapolei, Hawaii. According to the Honolulu Police Department, the arrest happened Friday evening after officers responded to the scene around 4:15 p.m.
Authorities said Nihipali had to be subdued before officers were able to take him into custody.
Investigators later determined that the woman at the Kapolei residence, Nihipali’s estranged wife, had been stabbed in the neck. Police said a 30-year-old man interrupted the attack, which allowed the victim to escape and call 911.
The woman was transported to a hospital and is reported to be recovering from her injuries.
Second Victim Found Dead in Separate Location
About an hour after the first stabbing report, police received another call around 5:30 p.m. about an unresponsive woman inside a home in McCully, Hawaii.
When officers arrived, they initially believed the situation might involve an unattended death. However, after further examination, they discovered multiple stab wounds on the woman’s body.
Investigators also noted defensive wounds on her hands, indicating she may have tried to fight back during the attack.
Police later confirmed the victim was Nihipali’s girlfriend and that she died from the injuries.
Investigation Links Both Victims to the Same Suspect
During the investigation, police realised both victims had relationships with the same man, leading them to connect the two incidents.
Authorities also discovered the girlfriend’s vehicle parked at the home of Nihipali’s estranged wife.
Surveillance footage later provided a timeline of the suspect’s movements. According to police:
| Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Around 10:30 a.m. | McCully home | Nihipali seen entering girlfriend’s house |
| Around 2:45 p.m. | McCully home | Suspect leaves the property |
| Around 4:00 p.m. | Kapolei home | Arrives at estranged wife’s house |
| 4:15 p.m. | Kapolei | Police receive stabbing report |
Authorities believe Nihipali used his girlfriend’s vehicle to travel from McCully to Kapolei after the first attack.
Suspect Was in a Work Furlough Program
Officials from the Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed that Nihipali was an inmate at the Oahu Community Correctional Center.
He was serving a prison sentence for second-degree assault and had been allowed to leave the facility as part of a work release and resocialization furlough program.
The victim in the earlier assault case was reportedly his estranged wife, the same woman who was injured in Friday’s stabbing.
At the time of the attacks, Nihipali was wearing an ankle monitor while participating in the program.
Charges Filed Against the Suspect
Following the investigation, prosecutors filed multiple charges against Nihipali. He has been charged with:
- Attempted first-degree murder
- Second-degree murder
- Attempted second-degree murder
- Burglary
- Escape
Authorities say he is currently being held in custody without bail.
Victim’s Condition and Next Steps
Police officials said the estranged wife who survived the attack remains hospitalized but is improving.
Investigators continue to review evidence and piece together the events that led to the violent incidents.
Nihipali was previously serving a 25-year sentence for second-degree assault when the attacks allegedly occurred.
At this time, officials have not announced the suspect’s next court date.
