UPDATE: Mims Charged in Stabbings, Could Face Life Without Parole

***Updated Monday, May 26.***

A 28-year-old Hilo man was charged this weekend with eight offenses in connection with three stabbings early Friday morning.

Varaha Nrsngha Mims was being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.

He was charged with first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree assault, fourth-degree criminal property damage, first-degree burglary and third-degree promoting a detrimental drug.

The first-degree attempted murder charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without possibility of parole.

The victims in the stabbing included a 28-year-old Pahoa man, who was taken to Hilo Medical Center in critical condition. He was transported The Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu where his is listed in serious condition.

Police ask anyone with information about these cases or anyone who may have witnessed either incident to contact Det. Todd Patarayat 961-2382 or tpataray@co.hawaii.hi.us or Det. Joel Field at 961-2381 or jfield@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Posted 11:27 a.m. Friday, May 23:

Police are investigating two stabbing incidents involving three victims in Hilo overnight.

The suspect in all three stabbings was taken into custody this morning.

Officers responding at 12:02 a.m. to the area in front of the Hilo Town Tavern at 168 Keawe St. found a 28-year-old Pahoa man and a 27-year-old Hilo woman with stab wounds.

According to police, a man unknown to them attacked them, damaged a car and then fled on foot toward the Wainaku area.

A member of the bar’s staff today told Big Island Now that the victims had just crossed the street toward the bar when they were attacked on the sidewalk.

He said the suspect, who last night was dressed all in black, had been seen before in the bar, but had been acting strangely recently.

“He’s been talking to himself lately,” the staffer said.

Minutes after arriving at the scene, police received additional calls about a 49-year-old Hilo man stabbed at a residence on the 300 block of Ohai Street.

Two of last night’s stabbing victims were attacked on this sidewalk in front of the Hilo Town Tavern’s beer garden. Photo by Dave Smith.

Police launched a search for the suspect, who was an acquaintance of the 49-year-old man.

The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Varaha Mims, was located at 7:36 a.m. today at the home of a Hilo acquaintance. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

All three victims were taken to Hilo Medical Center.

The Pahoa man was listed in critical condition, and the Hilo man in stable condition.

The woman was treated for her injuries and released.