“Kealakekua Woman Shot in Apparent Murder-Suicide: Victim Identified as Elizabeth Fernandez”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : A tragic incident occurred on New Year’s Day in Kealakekua, Hawaii, where a 42-year-old woman named Elizabeth Fernandez was shot in an apparent murder-suicide. The victim had recently obtained a temporary restraining order against her ex-boyfriend, 43-year-old Garret Kaleohano, from Captain Cook. This heartbreaking incident highlights the urgent need for effective measures to prevent domestic violence.

Local authorities were alerted to the murder-suicide at a residence on Mamalahoa Highway in Kealakekua. Fernandez’s father, aged 71, made the distressing discovery while walking to his daughter’s home. He found Kaleohano’s lifeless body, which showed signs of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, along with a rifle nearby. Further investigation led to the tragic discovery of Fernandez’s body, which displayed a fatal gunshot wound to her face.

The shocking revelation that Fernandez had filed for a temporary restraining order just three days prior to the incident adds a chilling layer to this already distressing story. Court records indicate that she had sought legal protection against Kaleohano, with a hearing scheduled for January 8. The court clerk had filed the notice of temporary restraining order, summons, and notice of hearing for Kaleohano on December 29, with an effective date of January 2.

In her petition for the order of protection, Fernandez detailed the abusive nature of her relationship with Kaleohano, which lasted for nine months. She recounted an incident on December 23 when he accused her of infidelity, threatened her life, and physically assaulted her by grabbing her mouth and striking the back of her head. Despite the police issuing a 48-hour temporary restraining order, Kaleohano returned to her residence, claiming he wanted to “talk,” but also making threats if she was involved with someone else. Fernandez expressed continuous fear and anxiety, stating that Kaleohano has anger issues, frequently resorts to violence, employs abusive language, and humiliates her publicly.

To ensure safety, the court ordered Kaleohano to surrender all firearms, ammunition, permits, and licenses to the nearest police station. However, the tragedy emphasizes the need for more comprehensive efforts to protect victims of domestic violence. Statistics from the Bureau of Justice reveal that three women in the United States are killed by a current or former intimate partner on a daily basis. These distressing figures underscore the importance of raising awareness about domestic violence and providing resources for those affected.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, it is crucial to find a safe place and reach out to a trusted friend or relative for support. Reporting the abuse to the police by dialing 911 is also an option. Additionally, the Child and Family Services 24-Hour Abuse Hotline offers advocates who are available seven days a week to provide support and advocacy. If you are in West Hawaii, you can contact them at (808) 322-7233, while those in East Hawaii can reach out to them at (808) 959-8864.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the urgent need for society to address this issue. By raising awareness, providing support, and implementing preventive measures, we can strive towards a safer future for all individuals affected by domestic violence..