Suspect in Triple Murder Says Intruders Shot Wife

John Ali Hoffman. HPD photo.

John Ali Hoffman, the 49-year-old man who has been charged in the murder of a woman and two children in an incident that occurred early Friday morning in Leilani Estates, made his initial court appearance on Monday.

Court documents state that John Hoffman allegedly called police just before 2 a.m. on Friday. In the call, he reportedly said that three to four intruders were in his home and had shot his wife.

The deceased woman was identified through finger prints by the Hawai’i Police Department Monday afternoon as Aracely Hoffman.

Authorities arriving on scene found John Hoffman driving a vehicle away from the home with no lights on. Upon stopping the vehicle, police noted a handgun within his reach and blood on the driver and dripping from the trunk. Aracely Hoffman was found dead in the trunk.

Police found two children in the home where the disturbance was said to have occurred. Neither child has been identified.

Court documents note that all three victims suffered a gunshot to the head.

KHON reports that in court, John Hoffman requested to represent himself in the case. He also noted that any information that he provided would be a national security breach.

It is reported that Judge Harry Freitas has ordered an psychological evaluation.

John Hoffman has been charged with first-degree murder, three counts of second-degree murder, and a firearms charge. His bail is set at $2.75 million.

He will reappear in court in June.