Suspect arrested after Molokai woman shot, killed in Kawela

Courtesy Malia Kahalewai's Facebook Page

KAWELA (HawaiiNewsNow) - A 24-year-old Molokai woman who was shot in the chest late Wednesday night has died, according to Molokai police.

Officials say they received reports at approximately 9:59 p.m. of a single gunshot in the area of Kawela known as "The Barns." Police say that upon arrival to the Kawela Barns Apartments, located at 2626 Kamehameha V Highway, they discovered the female victim with a gunshot wound to the chest.

She was transported to Molokai General Hospital in critical condition, where she later died as a result of her injuries.

Molokai officials have identified the victim as 24-year-old Malia Kahalewai of Kawela.

Police identify the suspect as the victim's boyfriend, 33-year-old Marlin Lavoie. He reportedly fled the scene in a small Honda heading east on Kamehameha V Highway and was found the following morning at 7:50 at his home in Honouliwai.

The suspect surrendered to police and was arrested without incident. He was charged Friday with murder in the second degree, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition and other charges. Lavoie's bail is set at $170,000.

Kahalewai lived in the area with Lavoie, and the couple had three children, friends say.