A Pearl City fire that killed a 97-year-old woman on March 30 was started when a lighter torch was used in an attempt to burglarize a storage shed next to the home, said city Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro.
An Oahu grand jury returned an indictment Wednesday charging Michael P. Dahilig with manslaughter, arson, burglary, attempted burglary and possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Dahilig, 35, of Ewa Beach remains in custody, unable to post $1 million bail.
"When arrested, the defendant made statements to the police regarding his involvement in the burglary, arson and manslaughter case," Kaneshiro said.
He said Dahilig had been repeatedly burglarizing area homes in the early morning hours for nearly six months. On March 30, Kaneshiro said Dahilig tried to burn the lock on the shed next to a Hoomalolo Street home at about 4 a.m., the shed caught fire, an alarm sounded and Dahilig fled.
The fire spread to the home. Two of the three occupants sleeping in the home escaped.
Firefighters found the body of Betty Hagihara between her bed and closet.
Kaneshiro said Hagihara died from smoke inhalation.
He said Dahilig returned to the charred remains of the home the next day to sift through the ruins for something to steal but fled after he spotted a neighbor.
Police located and arrested Dahilig on April 3 in Ewa Beach after receiving tips to CrimeStoppers, which released surveillance video of two burglary suspects recorded at a nearby home.
Dahilig has prior convictions for robbery, burglary, drug and drug paraphernalia possession. In April 2003, a state judge sentenced him to 10 years in prison for a 2000 burglary case and a 1996 robbery case.
The state released Dahilig on parole in August 2007. He completed his sentences in October 2010, said Tommy Johnson, Hawaii Paroling Authority administrator.
