Police say woman admits Waipahu killing

By Scott Ishikawa and Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writers

A 28-year-old woman accused of shooting a man to death in broad daylight on a street near Waipahu High School on Aug. 21 admitted she had shot the man after he threatened to have sex with her, according to a police affidavit.

Totie Tauala was arrested Friday in Village Park.

No weapon was found when Tauala was arrested, but police found a semiautomatic weapon in the Salt Lake area they believe was used in the the killing.

The police affidavit, filed in court to support the murder charge, said Tauala gave police an oral statement after her arrest Friday.

According to the affidavit, Tauala told police she was with Julio earlier that day at a Poailani Circle home in Waipahu. She said Julio threatened her at knifepoint and robbed her of drugs, money and jewelry, the affidavit said. Tauala also said Julio was touching her and making sexual advances, the document said.

A witness said the two got into a drug-related argument at the home, the affidavit said.

Tauala left the home and walked to her car with Julio following her, the document said. She and a female friend drove off in a Pontiac Grand Am, while Julio left in a white Chevrolet Impala, the affidavit said.

As the cars neared Waipahu High School, Julio stopped and motioned to the women to meet him, the affidavit said.

Tauala got into Julio's car carrying a handgun, the document said. Pointing it at Julio, she demanded her things back.

Tauala said she fired several shots after Julio made the sexual remarks, according to the affidavit.

She said she got back into the passenger seat of her car, and the two women drove toward Honolulu, the affidavit said.

The Pontiac Grand Am was found Aug. 27 at a University Avenue apartment complex, police said.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled in Honolulu District Court tomorrow to determine whether Tauala must stand trial on the charges.

Reach Scott Ishikawa at 535-2429 or sishikawa@honoluluadvertiser.com.