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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 9:18 p.m., Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Murder suspect indicted in Ala Moana Park shooting

Advertiser Staff

Nineteen-year-old Christopher Alesna has been indicted on a murder charge in the shooting of Khaynava Phanthanouvong, 18, at Ala Moana Beach Park on Sept. 1.

The indictment was returned early this afternoon. Circuit Judge Derrick Chan continued bail for Alesna at $150,000.

The suspect has been in custody since surrendering to police Sept. 3.

Deputy prosecuting Attorney Vickie Kapp told Chan that Alesna shot the victim six times.

The victim had bullet wounds in both ears and in the chest, she said.

Alesna and Phanthanouvong "knew each other and were there to fight," Kapp said.

According to police accounts, Phanthanouvong was at a party with friends when he received a late-night cell phone call from someone inviting him to fight at Ala Moana Park.

Phanthanouvong was shot during the fight. A companion, 19, was beaten with a bat.

Phanthanouvong had moved from the North Shore to Texas and returned to O'ahu about a month ago and was living in Kalihi, police said.