Honolulu police investigated a stabbing of two children and a woman at a Kalihi housing project. Emergency medic responders said a 7-year-old boy, 8-year-old girl and their 28-year-old mother, Megan Isomura, were apparently stabbed multiple times at Kalihi Valley Homes, also known as Kamehameha IV housing on Monday, Feb 23. All three victims were transported in serious but stable conditions to a hospital nearby. Isomura’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, 34-year-old Brandon Lorenz, turned himself in that same afternoon, but has been released from police custody on Feb. 25, Hawaii News Now reported.“These kinds of stories are what I grew up hearing on the news. This is not new for Kalihi. Though I do hope the mother and her children get the medical and emotional help they need, it’s time we look at the bigger picture of reckless violence on the island,” said Malia Jonston, a recent Farrington graduate. The Honolulu Star Advertiser reports that Kalihi Elementary School, just a few blocks away, was under lockdown for about and hour when someone matching the description of the alleged suspect was reported on campus. Lorenz has a criminal history that includes counts of family violence, assault, and multiple temporary restraining order violations. The couple also has a history of violence together.“My father had problems with his own anger. It’s always the same story. To hear about this is so tragic. That could’ve been me,” commented a BYU- Hawaii student. Isomura and her two children were reportedly attacked in their sleep. Isomura reported she has another child who was fortunately staying with a relative at the time. Medical officials reported Isomura and her children are stable and recovering in the hospital. “When you have to call the cops, call the cops. We can deal with the emotional trauma after that,” said Troy Lea, professor and psychologist in the BYUH counseling services. Campus security can be reached at (808) 675-3911 and will assist in further measures after initial reports of violence. Counseling services on campus also provides therapeutic assistance for victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. For more information of reporting cases of domestic violence, and or options for recovery and therapy, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1 (800) 799-7233 and their website can be found at http://www.thehotline.org. The hotline and website alike offers free, anonymous support. Uploaded March 4, 2015
Writer: Morgynne Tora
