A shocking incident in Hawaii has raised serious concerns about the safety of inmate furlough programs after a man allegedly left his work release to carry out a violent attack on two women connected to him. Police say the suspect stabbed both his estranged wife and his girlfriend on the same day in two different towns. One of the women survived the attack, while the other tragically lost her life.
Hawaii Inmate Accused of Stabbing Wife and Girlfriend
A 55-year-old Hawaii man named John Nihipali is facing multiple serious charges after police said he attacked two women who were both in relationships with him.
Authorities charged Nihipali with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder following the incident. The attack reportedly took place on Friday in two different areas of Honolulu.
Police said Nihipali stabbed his 53-year-old girlfriend and his 53-year-old estranged wife. Sadly, the girlfriend died from her injuries, while the estranged wife survived and is currently recovering in hospital.
Investigators later discovered that both victims were connected to the same man, which helped them link the two violent incidents together.
Suspect Was Already Serving a Prison Sentence
Officials confirmed that Nihipali was already an inmate before the attacks happened.
He was serving time at the Oahu Community Correctional Center for second-degree assault. Reports indicate that the victim in that earlier assault case was also his estranged wife.
At the time of the incident, Nihipali was part of a work release program. This program allows certain inmates to temporarily leave the correctional facility for employment or reintegration activities.
Authorities said he was out on a resocialization furlough pass when the alleged attacks occurred.
First Attack Happened at Estranged Wife’s Home
According to police reports, the first stabbing incident occurred at around 4:15 p.m. on Friday in Kapolei, Hawaii.
Police were called to the scene after receiving reports of a stabbing at the home of Nihipali’s estranged wife.
Investigators said she had been stabbed in the neck. Fortunately, a 30-year-old man interrupted the attack, giving the woman a chance to escape.
She managed to call emergency services, and officers quickly responded to the scene.
When police arrived, they arrested Nihipali outside the house. Authorities said he had to be physically subdued before being taken into custody.
Second Victim Found Dead in Another Town
Just over an hour later, at around 5:30 p.m., police received another call about an unresponsive woman at a home in McCully, Hawaii.
Initially, the case was reported as an unattended death. However, when officers arrived, they found multiple stab wounds on the woman’s body.
Investigators also noticed defensive wounds on her hands, suggesting she tried to fight off the attacker.
The woman was later identified as Nihipali’s girlfriend. Unfortunately, she had already died by the time authorities reached the scene.
Surveillance Footage Helped Build the Timeline
Police used surveillance cameras and other evidence to piece together the timeline of events.
According to investigators:
- Cameras showed Nihipali entering his girlfriend’s home in McCully at around 10:30 a.m.
- He reportedly stayed there until about 2:45 p.m.
- After leaving, he allegedly took his girlfriend’s vehicle
- He then drove to Kapolei and arrived at his estranged wife’s home around 4 p.m.
Police also found the girlfriend’s vehicle parked outside the estranged wife’s house.
Investigators noted that Nihipali was wearing an ankle monitor as part of his furlough conditions, which helped them track his movements.
Additional Charges Filed Against the Suspect
Following the investigation, authorities filed several additional charges against Nihipali.
These charges include:
- Attempted first-degree murder
- Second-degree murder
- Attempted second-degree murder
- Burglary
- Escape
Officials confirmed that Nihipali is currently being held in custody without bail.
His next court hearing date has not yet been announced.
Victim Recovering in Hospital
Police said Nihipali’s estranged wife survived the stabbing but was seriously injured.
According to Honolulu Police Department homicide Lieutenant Deena Thoemmes, the woman is still in hospital but her condition is improving.
Investigators continue to gather more details as the case moves forward through the legal system.
Concerns Raised About Furlough Programs
The case has sparked renewed debate about prison furlough and work release programs.
These programs are designed to help inmates gradually return to society by allowing temporary supervised leave for work or rehabilitation purposes.
However, incidents like this raise concerns about monitoring, safety, and whether certain offenders should be allowed such privileges.
Authorities are likely to review the circumstances that allowed Nihipali to leave the correctional facility while serving a lengthy sentence.
