Slain cops ID’D
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 seven-year veteran, and Kaulike Kalama, a nineyear 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.