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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 10:03 p.m., Tuesday, July 8, 2008

150 in silent march for Mililani mom, son

Advertiser Staff

About 150 people who participated in today's silent march at the State Capitol for Grineline "Elaine" James, 39, and her son, 7-year-old Michael James II, domestic violence victims of last week's double murder-suicide in Mililani Mauka.

The march around a block bordered by South Beretania, South King, Punchbowl and Richards streets took about 15-20 minutes but seemed like an eternity for many reflecting on memories shared with the victim, those agonizing over why it happened, or leaders contemplating strategies to deal with a crime tearing at the heart of American family values.

"I miss her so much ...." Agnes Agapay said of Grineline James, her best friend from childhood in the Philippines and fellow teacher at Farrington High School.

A large group from Farrington participated in the march.

"I'm a social worker so I know of domestic violence," said Alison Colby, a teen center social worker at Farrington, "but (Grineline's death) has been very difficult to process, fathom."

Chantell Erolin, who lives on same street as the James family but didn't know them, participated in her first silent march today. "I'm still traumatized by it but I wanted to show support, let them know people care."

Seven of 10 homicides in Honolulu this year are rooted in domestic violence, including four victim deaths in murder-suicides.