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A dispute over a beach mat at Maili Beach Park is believed to have caused the fatal stabbing of a 42-year-old man early Sunday morning, according to court records.
Derrick Hernandez, 39, is being held at Oahu Community Correctional Center unable to post bail of $1 million on a charge of second-degree murder.
He is accused of fatally stabbing Frankie Feliciano in the area known as “Tumbleland” — a surf spot in the middle of the park — at 4:40 a.m. Sunday. Hernandez’s District Court preliminary hearing will be held on Friday at 1:30 p.m.
According to a police affidavit, Feliciano was taken to the hospital in critical condition with a single three- to five-inch cut to his left temple. His condition worsened and Feliciano died on Monday afternoon.
Based on a tip from a caller, Hernandez was arrested Monday morning at a 7-Eleven convenience store in Waianae on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. The charge was later changed to second-degree murder.
Several witnesses told police they saw the suspect hit Feliciano with a knife, according to a police affidavit.
One witness told police that Hernandez came to the campsite early Sunday morning to pick up his belongings.
The witness said Hernandez became angry because Feliciano was sitting on a chair on his beach mat.
The suspect then allegedly struck Feliciano on the head causing him to fall.
The victim’s head jerked back and he allegedly screamed, the police affidavit said. The witness said Hernandez was holding a knife in his right hand.
A second witness at the homeless campsite told police she heard a “pop” before Feliciano fell.
The second witness then saw the suspect close a knife and put it in his right pocket.
After the alleged stabbing incident, Hernandez said that Feliciano was “messing with my stuff,” according to the police affidavit.
His conviction record includes two misdemeanors, one petty misdemeanor and a felony for second-degree robbery.
