Hilo man charged with first-degree murder for allegedly slaying grandparents

Police have charged 21-year-old Joshua Makana Jiro Ho of Hilo with first-degree murder and other offenses following an early morning incident Monday that led to the death of his grandparents, Jeffrey Yoshio Takamine and Carla Kayoko Takamine.

Ho earlier today was charged with first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder.

His bail was set at $2.75 million.

The charges against Ho stem from an incident reported shortly before 7 a.m. Monday, when South Hilo patrol officers responded to a disturbance at a residence located on Makalika Street in Panaewa.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers were met by two family members who were physically restraining Ho.

Ho was covered in blood and was immediately arrested without incident, police said.

Police and fire personnel were then informed that two elderly people were deceased within the residence, and a 28-year-old male had also received potentially life-threatening injuries to his head. The victims were observed with multiple stab-wound type injuries, police said.

The 28-year-old male victim was transported via ambulance to the Hilo Medical Center, where he was treated for multiple lacerations to his head and was subsequently released.

Ho was also taken to the Hilo Medical Center for lacerations to his hands. Following treatment, he was taken to the Hilo police cellblock for booking.

On Monday afternoon, detectives executed a search warrant on the residence and recovered multiple large kitchen-type knives and biological evidence.

The deceased victims, both age 68, were transported to the Hilo Medical Center and officially pronounced dead shortly after 6:30 p.m. Monday.

Final autopsy results are pending.

Ho remains in police custody pending his initial court appearance Wednesday in South Hilo District Court.