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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, September 5, 2008

Man, 19, charged in fatal shooting

Advertiser Staff

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Christopher S. Alesna

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A 19-year-old Kalihi man has been charged in connection with a fatal shooting at Ala Moana Beach Park that stemmed from a fight.

Christopher S. Alesna of a Palama Street address was charged with second-degree murder and two firearm offenses in connection with the shooting death of Khaynava Phanthanouvong, 18, of Kalihi. He is being held overnight at HPD's Central Receiving Division cellblock in lieu of $150,000 bail.

An initial court appearance is set for today in District Court.

According to a police affidavit, investigators identified Alesna as the shooter named "Chris" they were looking for after receiving a witness tip Monday on where he lived.

Alesna surrendered at the main police station building Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. on the advice of family friend Erwin Gabrillo. State Rep. John Mizuno, D-30th (Kamehameha Heights, Kalihi Valley, Fort Shafter) was asked by Gabrillo, a close friend, to accompany him and Alesna to the police station.

The court document stated that Phanthanouvong allegedly was calling and text messaging Alesna on Sunday and Monday, challenging him to fight. They agreed to meet at Ala Moana Beach Park.

At 2:30 a.m. Monday, Phanthanouvong and Alesna were at the diamondhead end of the park.

The affidavit stated Alesna and an unknown male approached Phanthanouvong and a male companion near the Waikiki Yacht Club.

Witnesses heard a gunshot and told police they saw all four males fighting before Phanthanouvong and his companion began running toward their vehicle with a large group of men in pursuit.

Witnesses told police Alesna allegedly pointed a handgun at Phanthanouvong and two other men and fired two or three shots, the affidavit said. Phanthanouvong told friends he had been shot and was taken to The Queen's Medical Center, where he died at 2:50 a.m.