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COURTESY HONOLULU POLICE
Kamaua Van Gieson was charged today with second-degree murder in Dustin Molina’s death. His bail was set at $1 million.
A 20-year-old man has been charged for murder in connection with the death of an 18-year-old man in Maili.
Kamaua Van Gieson was charged today with second-degree murder in Dustin Molina’s death. His bail was set at $1 million.
Police arrested Van Gieson in Aiea on Thursday night after plainclothes officers of the Honolulu Police Department’s Kapolei-Waianae crime reduction unit obtained information on his whereabouts.
On Tuesday morning, Molina was found with suspicious injuries on a rocky shoreline near Maili Cove, a residential apartment building.
Police said an autopsy later showed Molina had a stab wound, among other injuries.
Molina’s cousin, Cassie Yniguez, said she’s relieved to hear about the arrest and murder charge against Van Gieson.
Yniguez said she and her family are coping with Molina’s death. “He’s such a good kid. You would never think that would ever happen to him.”
“It’s still hard. It’s helpful to know they got the guy,” she added.
CrimeStoppers and police issued a bulletin Wednesday seeking the public’s help in locating Van Gieson, who had been wanted in a separate case after he allegedly kidnapped his ex-girlfriend.
At about 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Kapolei Commons, police said a 20-year-old woman met Van Gieson and entered his vehicle to collect her belongings.
After she attempted to exit the vehicle, police said Van Gieson grabbed her and pulled her back inside.
He then started to drive away. At some point, police said Van Gieson allegedly placed a knife against the victim’s body and threatened to kill her.
The woman managed to escape and reported the incident to an officer in the area who was responding to a separate case.
Yniguez described Molina, a graduate of Waianae High School, as humble, loving and caring. “He wouldn’t ever hurt a fly.”
“He’s always smiling. You never see him down,” she said adding that he could light up a room with his smile.
Molina made people laugh and was very giving.
Yniguez said he would be best remembered for his smile. “Our family misses him so much.”
A GoFundMe account has been created to assist Molina’s family with funeral expenses.
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