Two slain cops in Hawaii ID’d
Cops say killer had history of run-ins
HONOLULU — A Hawaii handyman with a history of run-ins with police and neighbors faced eviction when he stabbed his landlord and killed two officers before the house he and two women were believed to be inside burned, authorities and neighbors said.
Police responding Sunday to a call for help at the location found a woman stabbed in the leg and resident Jaroslav “Jerry” Hanel, began shooting, killing Officers Tiffany Enriquez, a sevenyear veteran, and Kaulike Kalama, a nine-year veteran, Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard said.
Police suspect Hanel, who was in his 60s, and two women who have not been identified were inside the house when it caught fire. They were presumed dead and Ballard said it could take days to recover the remains and process evidence.
The fire destroyed seven homes and left others damaged. As it raged, the sound of dozens of apparent gunshots rang out.
Ballard said no other officers were injured but authorities were investigating whether ammunition, incendiary devices or explosives contributed to the intensity of the blaze. The apparent gunfire prompted authorities to initially prevent firefighters from approaching.
Sgt. Malcolm Lutu, president of Hawaii’s statewide police union, said he knew one of the two officers personally. He said Officer Tiffany Enriquez, 37, was a single mother of three daughters and had one grandchild.
The homeowner, Lois Cain, had recently sought to evict Hanel, who lived in the home for free in exchange for his work, according to court records and his lawyer.
A neighbor said she saw Cain being put into an ambulance suffering from knife wounds.
Her condition was not disclosed.
Neighbors described Hanel as mentally disturbed and Ballard said he did not have any gun permits.
Hawaii has some of the toughest gun laws in the U.S. Residents can’t buy firearms without permits approved by local police, who check databases to make sure applicants have not been convicted of felonies or misdemeanor crimes.
People are also denied permits if they have been acquitted of crimes because of mental problems or have been diagnosed with significant mental, behavioral or emotional disorders.