Honolulu prosecutors say Kalihi fatal stabbing was self-defense

Honolulu prosecutors said a 27-year-old Kalihi man who fatally stabbed his roommate Monday night was acting in self-defense and will not face a murder charge.

At about 8:22 p.m. Monday, the man was approached by his roommate, identified as 57-year-old Maria Bolter, who was holding a knife, according to a news release from the city Prosecuting Attorney’s office Wednesday night.

The woman made “stabbing gestures” toward the man who used a knife to defend himself, prosecutors said.

“After a thorough review of all the evidence and facts surrounding this case, we have concluded a charge of murder is not warranted,” Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm said in the news release. “The defendant’s actions were found to be consistent with a legal claim of self-defense.”

Prosecutors said the man “reasonably believed that deadly force was necessary to protect himself from death or serious bodily injury.” They said the man had no legal duty to retreat since they were roommates.

The Prosecuting Attorney’s office said it considers the case closed.

Honolulu police said earlier this week that on Monday night officers responded to a reported argument involving a woman and a man at a home in the 1000 block Olomea Street. Police said the argument escalated and the man stabbed the woman who was taken in critical condition to a hospital where she died. Officers arrested the man on suspicion of second-degree murder.