Posted at 10:37 p.m., Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Police say 'Aiea shooting was an accident
Advertiser Staff
A teenage boy has been arrested after investigators learn ed that he may have accidentally shot his 16-year-old friend as they were playing with a revolver in the parking lot of 'Aiea Public Library, police said.Police tonight confirmed that the case, initially reported as a drive-by shooting Monday night, was in fact an accident.
"There was no drive-by, no black car. ... The kid made it all up when he called 911," said Honolulu Police Detective Gary Lahens, the lead investigator into the shooting, who pursued discrepancies in witness statements today. "Two friends were playing with a gun, and it accidentally went off."
The teen who allegedly fired the shot was arrested at his 'Aiea home and booked as a juvenile on suspicion of a fire arms offense. Other charges were pending.
Lahens declined comment on the gun involved.
The shooting victim, identified by friends as Koamalu "Malu" Edayan, was shot once in the chest at 10:40 p.m. Monday in the library parking lot at 99-143 Moanalua Road.
Edayan's condition worsened from serious to critical at The Queen's Medical Center, said Bryan Cheplic, spokesman for Honolulu Emergency Services. Edayan's parents were at their son's side today in the intensive care unit.
Lahens confirmed that the case turned in a different direction today.
"A witness stated the individuals were playing with the weapon, and the gun discharged," Lahens said.
Edayan enjoys body-building and writing rap music, friends said today.
'Aiea High School officials today declined to discuss Edayan, citing confidentiality laws.
The library fronts a strip mall that includes a karaoke bar, several restaurants and other businesses.
At about 9:15 p.m., Juan Barquilla, an on-site security guard, told three youths to leave an area near a restaurant where they apparently had been drinking alcohol.
"They cooperated with no trouble," Barquilla said. "Two of them went over to the library parking lot, and the third went to the gas station across the street. They were quiet."
Barquilla was standing on the other side of the building when he heard a single shot.
"I came over and (the victim) was lying on the ground," Barquilla said. "I was scared. This was the first time I've experienced a shooting."
Barquilla said that after the shooting, the victim's friends called 911. He said he did not hear any arguing before the shooting.
Advertiser staff writer Dave Dondoneau contributed to this report.
