21-year-old Joshua Ho charged with killing his grandparents in Hilo

Hawai‘i Island police have charged 21-year-old Joshua Makana Jiro Ho, of Hilo, with first-degree murder following an early morning incident on Jan. 16 that led to the death of his grandparents, Jeffrey and Carla Takamine.

Ho, who also was charged two counts of second-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder, is in custody with a bail set at $2.75 million.

At about 7 a.m. on Jan. 16, South Hilo patrol officers responded to an unknown-type disturbance at a residence located on Makalika Street. Officers were met by two family members who were physically restraining Ho, who was covered in blood.

Police immediately arrested him without incident.

Police and Fire personnel were informed that two elderly persons were deceased within the residence, and a 28-year-old male had also received potentially life-threatening injuries to his head. The victims had multiple stab-wound type injuries.

The deceased victims were both age 68. The Takamines were owners of Big Island Delights, a family operated business in Hilo since 1996 that created premium cookies and confections, according to its website.

Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth mourned their tragic deaths.

He said: “They were two of the most generous, giving, and caring people I’ve ever known, and I join in the grieving of many throughout our community who have had the privilege to be touched by their warmth and aloha.”

The 28-year-old victim was transported via ambulance to the Hilo Medical Center where he was treated for multiple lacerations to his head and was subsequently released.

Ho was also taken to the Hilo Medical Center for lacerations to his hands. Following treatment, he was taken to the Hilo police cellblock for booking.       

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section responded to the scene to assist in continuing this investigation. On Monday, detectives executed a search warrant on the residence and recovered multiple large kitchen-type knives and biological evidence.

Both deceased victims were transported to the Hilo Medical Center and officially pronounced dead shortly after 6:30 p.m. Final autopsy results are pending.

Ho remains in police custody pending his initial court appearance Wednesday in South Hilo District Court.