The military man who was fatally stabbed Saturday in Waikiki was identified Sunday by the Marines as a Tennessee native.
Sgt. William Brown, 23, served as an 81 mm mortarman, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, based on Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe, according to a statement by the 3rd Marine Division.
Lt. Col. Steven Eastin, battalion commander, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, said in the statement that Brown was a “beloved” member of the unit and had been in the unit for five years.
“He had qualities we value in our Marine non-commissioned officers,” he said. “His death is tragic and the battalion joins his family in grief. He will always be loved and remembered.”
Police said Brown was with a group of people when a verbal exchange escalated into an altercation and Brown was stabbed multiple times at the corner of Royal Hawaiian and Kalakaua avenues. Several people fled the scene, but three were arrested in connection with the incident, which occurred at about 1 a.m. A 21-year-old man and two teens, a boy and a girl between the ages of 14 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder.
The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office said Brown died of a stab wound to the chest.
Brown joined the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines on Nov. 17, 2012, and was promoted to sergeant Oct. 1.
His personal awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, the Marines said.
The Marines are cooperating with Honolulu police in the investigation. Police asked anyone with information about the incident to call 911 or CrimeStoppers at 955-8300.
19-year-old arrested in Waikiki robbery
A 19-year-old man was arrested after he hurt a woman while robbing her Sunday morning in Waikiki, police said.
The woman, 40, was walking back to her hotel at about 1:15 a.m. when she was approached from behind by a man who took her property and in doing so caused her pain, police said. The suspect was located nearby and arrested for investigation of second-degree robbery on Kalaimoku Street.
Man who threatened store worker is arrested
A 36-year-old man was arrested Saturday after he threatened an employee who asked him to return a store basket in Kailua, police said.
Police said the suspect threatened the victim, a 28-year-old man, with a dangerous instrument Wednesday when the victim asked him to return the basket.
The suspect was located Saturday and arrested on Mokapu Road at 10:34 a.m. for investigation of first-degree terroristic threatening.
Swimmer who collapsed on Waikiki shore dies
A 52-year-old man died Saturday after having difficulty while swimming or snorkeling off Waikiki, police said.
The man exited the ocean and collapsed on the sand at about 3 p.m., police said.
Paramedics responded and took him to a hospital, where he died.
The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office did not immediately release his name.
