Knives found at scene of apparent murder-suicide

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

Police recovered seven bloody kitchen knives at the Kaka'ako scene of an apparent murder-suicide Monday night in that was witnessed by an off-duty police officer.

The incident occurred at 11:30 p.m. on the 20th-floor of Kauhale Kaka'ako, a subsidized low-income rental apartments at 860 Halekauwila St.

The building is 'ewa of the Sports Authority on Ward Avenue.

A 43-year-old woman, with multiple stab wounds over her body died at the scene.

Her husband, 41, was discovered with a slashed throat that police believe was self-inflicted. He was taken to the Queen's Medical Center, where he died.

They have been identified as John William Winter and Lee Ann Winter.

Investigators said a Honolulu police officer who lives in the building saw the man stabbing the woman in the hallway, after a neighbor on the 20th floor heard screams and called the officer. When he arrived at the scene, the officer told the neighbor to call 911.

The man, armed with a knife, came toward him, police said, and the officer retreated to his apartment to get his gun. When he returned, police were already at the scene.

The dead couple lived on the 20th floor, police said.

The medical examiner's office has not released their names, pending notification of their families.