UPDATE: Kapoho Man Charged in Stabbings in Lower Puna

Big Island police have charged a 45-year-old Kapoho man in connection with a stabbing incident Wednesday morning that left three people injured, two of them seriously.

Police on Friday charged Jeffrey Robert Perkins, 43, of Kapoho on suspicion of one count of first-degree assault and seven counts of second-degree assault. His bail was set at $19,000.

Both were taken to Hilo Medical Center where they were listed in serious condition following surgery.

Police said a third victim, a 45-year-old Kapoho woman, was treated for a minor injury by Fire Department paramedics at the scene.

Lt. Gregory Esteban told Big Island Now Friday that there are two houses on the property where the assaults occurred, with the victims living in one home and Perkins in the other.

Esteban said detectives were still investigating the motive for the attack.

 ***Updated at 2:50 p.m., April 20***