Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL HomeExclusive: grieving family seeks answers following suspect's death

Exclusive: grieving family seeks answers following suspect's death

By Minna Sugimoto - bio | email

MAILI (KHNL) - A Maili family is searching for answers following the death of a loved one. Police took the man to an Oahu hospital after he complained of pain following his arrest Friday.

Rose Mara, 72, wipes away her tears as she recalls her son making breakfast last Friday.

"That morning, he was making him waffles and fried eggs," Mara recalled. "And that was the last time I saw him."

That night, he was dead.

Family members say Henry Mara had suspicious injuries, including a ruptured spleen, a black eye and scratches.

"He was good when he left," Rose Mara said.

Police arrested the 47-year-old on suspicion of trespassing at Kapolei Shopping Center Friday night. His mother says he went there often.

"To do what?" this reporter asked.

"Panhandle," Rose Mara replied. "So I tell him you can not go there. It's private property. The policemen keep telling you stay out of there."

Officers say while the suspect was at the Kapolei police station, he complained of pain. He was taken to Hawaii Medical Center West, where he became unresponsive.

"I don't understand. Somebody's lying," Rose Mara said. "I want to know why he ruptured inside, why the thing busted."

Homicide investigators are looking into the case, which is classified as an unattended death. The Medical Examiner's office is waiting for additional test results before it decides on the cause.

"I, I keep thinking he's in a better place. He's with his dad," Rose Mara said. "I'm not going to give up until I find more."

A spokesperson for Hawaii Medical Center West says the hospital turned the patient's records over to police, and has no further comment.