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Kamuela Man Charged with Manslaughter in Death of Child

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A Hawai’i Island man was charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of a young relative who had been left in his care.

Police arrested Ezekiel Wakinekona of Kameula on suspicion of abuse of a household member.

Authorities say the arrest stemmed from a report on Friday, January 13, of a 3-year-old girl who was found at home unconscious with labored breathing.

Doctors at North Hawaii Community Hospital also discovered suspicious bruising on the girl’s body, according to Hawai’i Island police.

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The child, identified as Marley Makanani, was flown to the Kapiʻolani Hospital for Women and Children on Oahu, and later died on Sunday.

Two other girls, ages 2 and 6, who also lived at the home were taken into protective custody. State officials say the two girls are now in foster care.

A statement was released by the Department of Human Services following the incident saying, “Any death of a child is a tragedy.” The statement further indicates that an ongoing criminal investigation is underway.

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Wakinekona was charged on Sunday with manslaughter for the death of the child, and two counts of abuse of a family/household member for injuries found on the children taken into protective custody.

Bail has been set at $60,000.

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