KALIHI, Hawaii (Island News) -- The murder charges were declined against a man on Wednesday in the murder of a woman in Kalihi because the stabbing was deemed self-defense.

Honolulu police responded to reports of an argument on Olomea Street on Monday night, Sept. 15. The investigation revealed that Maria Bolter, 57, approached Stephen Sandoval, 27, while she was holding a knife. Bolter made stabbing gestures toward Sandoval which led him to use a knife to defend himself.

As a result, Bolter was left with multiple critical injuries and paramedics took her to the hospital where she later died.

According to the prosecuting attorney’s office, deadly force was reasonable for Sandoval to protect himself from getting killed or seriously injured by Bolter. They also lived in the same home

See Full Page