On Monday night, Teddy Munet tried to console Melissa Fallau about the death of her brother.
On Tuesday afternoon police raided the Fallaus’ family property on Mahinui Road in Kaneohe and arrested Munet in connection with the murder of William "Billy" Fallau last week.
Hikers found Fallau’s body at Kawainui State Park late Thursday afternoon. The 29-year-old died from a gunshot in the back of his neck, according to the Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office.
A stunned Melissa Fallau told the Star-Advertiser on Tuesday afternoon that it was Billy, her older brother, who brought Munet home about six months ago and asked their father whether it was OK if his down-and-out friend could stay with them. Munet lived there since then, she said, including the five days after her brother was killed.
"My brother was just a very kind and soft-hearted person," Melissa Fallau said. "Anybody who needed help, if my brother was able to help them, he would."
Police detectives "worked really hard" and were confident Munet was the man responsible, she said.
"Hopefully, my brother will rest in peace — I know we’re surely going to rest easier now knowing that the monster who did this is caught," she said.
At first Munet lived in his car on the property. About three to four months ago, he turned a toolshed in the garage into a living area, Fallau said. "We would welcome him in the house, we would feed him and he showered there," she said. "We helped him out as much as we could."
Billy Fallau was working hard to overcome a crystal methamphetamine addiction, his sister said. "He knew that his using was really hurting our family," she said.
Recently unemployed, Fallau "was going through a lot; he was in a really bad place, but once he was at the beach (fishing and diving), he was himself again."
He also had a lifelong passion for baseball. He was part of his high school team, the Castle Knights, and played softball as an adult. Monday night, his softball team dedicated their championship game to him.
Melissa Fallau said it was at the game, in the stands, that Munet sat next to her and tried to console her, broke into tears and told her he wished there was more he could have done "to help save him (Billy)."
Munet, also 29, is a convicted felon who recently spent time in prison for auto theft.
Fallau leaves behind his parents, two sisters, a brother and a 4-year-old daughter.
