John Nihipali Sr. (55), an inmate at Oahu Community Correctional Center on a work furlough/resocialization pass (serving 25 years for second-degree assault on his estranged wife), allegedly stabbed his 53-year-old girlfriend to death and attacked his 53-year-old estranged wife on March 5, 2026.
Attack Sequence
- ~10:30 a.m.: Surveillance shows Nihipali entering girlfriend’s McCully apartment (with her 15-year-old son home); leaves alone ~2:45 p.m., steals her vehicle (wearing ankle monitor).
- ~4 p.m.: Arrives at estranged wife’s Kapolei home; stabs her in the neck. She escapes after his son (30) intervenes; calls 911 from neighbor’s. Nihipali subdued (tased, knife in hand) by police at 4:15 p.m.
- ~5:30 p.m.: Police find girlfriend unresponsive at McCully home with multiple stab wounds (including defensive on hands); ruled homicide.
Charges and Status
- Charged Saturday, March 7: Second-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree burglary, second-degree escape.
- Held without bail; prior 2005 attempted manslaughter conviction noted.
- Estranged wife hospitalized but improving (per HPD Lt. Deena Thoemmes).
Honolulu PD linked the cases via relationships and ankle monitor. Raises alarms on furlough oversight for violent offenders. Next court date pending—follow HPD or Hawaii courts.
