In a shocking turn of events, the peaceful neighborhood of Hawaii Kai in Honolulu was rattled by a gruesome incident on Sunday night. Matthew Gene Smith, a 41-year-old Honolulu resident, found himself in the center of a violent altercation that resulted in three men being seriously injured and left a community in disbelief. This article explores the details surrounding the incident, delves into Matthew Smith’s background, and investigates any possible connections to the horrifying stabbings in Hawaii Kai.
The Night of Horror
It was around 11:30 p.m. on a quiet Sunday night, 1 Oct, 2023 when chaos erupted in the 700 block of Ipuai Street in Kalama Valley. Matthew Smith allegedly unleashed a wave of violence, wielding a dangerous instrument against the homeowner and two roommates. The victims, ages 74, 46, and 37, faced a life-threatening situation as they were brutally attacked by their own housemate.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) technicians rushed to the scene and administered advanced life-saving treatment to the injured men before transporting them to a nearby hospital. The victims’ conditions were reported as serious, highlighting the severity of the attack. The community, previously regarded as safe and peaceful, was left in shock and dismay.
Matthew Smith: A Troubled Past
( COURTESY HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT )
Matthew Smith’s name came under the spotlight as he became the prime suspect in this heinous crime. However, it’s not the first time his actions have raised concerns. Smith has a lengthy criminal history, with a prior conviction for negligent homicide stemming from a drinking and driving incident back in 2003. This history of reckless behavior may have contributed to his alleged violent outburst.
The Chase and Arrest
Following the attack, Matthew Smith fled the scene, prompting a manhunt by the Honolulu Police Department. They eventually located Smith at Sandy Beach Park, where he was apprehended. Reports suggest that he had blood on his hands and shirt, consistent with the gruesome nature of the crime. Additionally, law enforcement recovered a folding knife, likely the weapon used in the assault.
Community Reaction
The Hawaii Kai community was left in shock and disbelief following this violent incident. Residents who had previously felt safe in their neighborhood expressed their growing concerns about safety. One resident, Karon Serain-Darnell, stated, “Our neighbor said she felt free to leave her garage door but now that we’re seeing more violent crimes here in Hawaii Kai, all of us are talking safety a lot more seriously.” The incident has prompted a reevaluation of the area’s perceived safety.
Even the local mail carrier, Heidi Acio, expressed surprise, saying, “This is such a shocker. I never really know who I’m delivering mail to. I always just assumed Hawaii Kai is safe, but this situation opened my eyes, and it’s very unfortunate.”
Everette Worthington, another resident, emphasized that Hawaii Kai had always been a quiet and isolated section of Oahu’s east side. The incident has forced residents to confront the reality that no place is immune to violence.
Ongoing Investigation
The Honolulu Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. Matthew Smith remains in custody, facing charges of attempted murder in the first degree. The authorities are determined to uncover the full extent of his actions and the motives behind this horrifying attack.
As the investigation unfolds, the people of Hawaii Kai are left to grapple with the aftermath of a night that shattered their sense of security. The question of what drove Matthew Smith to commit such a horrifying act remains unanswered, leaving both the victims and the community searching for answers and healing from this traumatic event.
FAQs
A1: Matthew Smith is a 41-year-old Honolulu resident who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in the first degree after allegedly stabbing three men in a Hawaii Kai home. He was renting a room in the same house as the victims, and the incident occurred during a violent altercation.
A2: The three victims, aged 74, 46, and 37, were taken to the hospital in serious condition. Emergency Medical Services technicians administered advanced life-saving treatment to them at the scene of the crime.
A3: Yes, Matthew Smith has a prior conviction for negligent homicide in a drinking and driving incident dating back to 2003, indicating a troubled past.
A4: The Hawaii Kai community was deeply shocked by the violent incident, prompting residents to reevaluate their perception of safety in the area. Some expressed concerns about the growing violence in their once-peaceful neighborhood.