Updated at 6:08 p.m., Sunday, January 20, 2008
Murder suspects Higa, Tunoa in court Tuesday
Advertiser Staff
Two men charged in separate murder cases were being held today at the main police station cellblock in lieu of $1 million bail each pending initial appearances Tuesday at District Court.Alapeti Siuanu Tunoa Jr., 30, of Salt Lake was charged Friday with second-degree murder, first-degree criminal property damage, first-degree assault, and three firearms-related offenses including being a felon in possession. Tunoa's parole was also revoked on Friday.
Tunoa is accused of beating 29-year-old Janel Tupuola to death with the butt of a shotgun Wednesday night on Maluniu Avenue in Kailua. Police have pieces broken from the weapon but have not recovered the shotgun.
The motive appears to be jealousy, police said.
Prosecutors also charged 23-year-old Matthew Higa of Punchbowl with second-degree murder in connection with the death of 23-month-old Cyrus Nainoa Tupa'i Belt, who was tossed over the Miller Street overpass onto the H-1 Freeway Thursday.
Police are awaiting lab results to determine if Higa was using drugs. Investigators are also trying to confirm how the child came to be with Higa, who has not been charged with kidnapping.
