Hawaii Island community reeling after man arrested for grandparents’ killings

HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) - The 21-year-old suspect accused of fatally stabbing his grandparents remains at the Hilo cellblock Tuesday as authorities prepare charges against him.

The stabbing happened about 7 a.m. Monday at a home on Makalika Street in Hilo.

Police have identified the suspect as Joshua Ho, the grandson of the two elderly victims.

Family members and friends identified the victims as Jeffrey Yoshio Takamine and Carla Kayoko Takamine, both 68.

Couple killed in double stabbing on Hawaii Island remembered for their ‘warmth’

Police said when they were called to the home, a number of people were also there.

The suspect was being restrained by family members. A 28-year-old man sustained multiple lacerations to his head in the melee, police said, and was taken to the Hilo Medical Center.

Police arrested Ho at the scene, but he was initially taken to the hospital for lacerations to his hands.

Following treatment, he was taken to the Hilo police cellblock.

The Takamines owned a popular store called Big Island Delights. It’s now closed indefinitely.

Hawaii Island Mayor Mitch Roth was among those who remembered the couple’s impact on the community.

“They were two of the most generous, giving and caring people I’ve ever known,” Roth said. “And I join in the grieving of many throughout our community who have had the privilege to be touched by their warmth and aloha.”

Neighbor David Shiigi said he’s known the couple for decades and will remember them for their generosity.

“I have a nursery business and she went out of her way to help me when I used to go on trips.,” said Shiigi. “And donate her products for me to share with people on the mainland.”

“So yeah, they were kind and both of them were good people.”

Police are investigating the case as first-degree murder and were working on a search warrant for the residence. Autopsies are scheduled for Tuesday morning to determine their exact cause of death.

This story will be updated.

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