JAMM AQUINO / NOV 15, 2021 Honolulu District Attorney Steven Alm, seen here at a press conference in 2021, alleges that Chantston Pila Kekawa, 17, committed an “execution-style murder” in Makaha and will be tried as an adult.
JAMM AQUINO / NOV 15, 2021 Honolulu District Attorney Steven Alm, seen here at a press conference in 2021, alleges that Chantston Pila Kekawa, 17, committed an “execution-style murder” in Makaha and will be tried as an adult.
An Oahu grand jury today indicted a 17-year-old Maili teen on murder and weapons charges in connection with the death of the 39-year-old owner of Ohikilolo Ranch in Makaha, the district attorney’s office said.
Chantston Pila Kekawa was charged with second-degree murder, first-degree terroristic threats, firearm offenses and first-degree robbery.
Pila Kekawa is said to have shot Cranston Pia with one shot to his right temple after a fight over Pila Kekawa’s hunting dogs.
Pia’s mother told police that her son armed himself with a rifle, fired a warning shot and confronted hunters whose dogs were attacking livestock on their property.
Pila Kekawa’s lawyer said his client shot Pia in self-defense after Pia first shot Pila Kekawa and his dogs.
Second-degree murder is punishable by life imprisonment with the possibility of parole.
“Mr. Pila Kekawa resorted to an extreme and horrific act of violence against the victim, whose property was in danger as a result of Mr. Pila Kekawa’s actions,” Honolulu District Attorney Steve Alm said in a statement. “We have taken steps to address this execution-style murder by this defendant by releasing him as a juvenile and charging him in adult court for these serious crimes.”
The court granted a request by prosecutors that Pila be held without bail until trial. Assistant District Attorney Lawrence Sousie presented the prosecution’s case to the grand jury, a news release said.
At 2:34 p.m. on February 17, Honolulu police officers were dispatched to the ranch after Cranston Pia’s mother reported “hunters pointing a gun at her son.” Pia was raising a calf and cattle in a pen when the calf was attacked by a hunting dog. Pia’s mother called 911 when the calf was attacked and said she saw her son shot in the head 1 Comment By participating in online discussions, you acknowledge that you have agreed to our . An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not comply with our .
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