Honolulu police have released two suspects in the death of a man who allegedly tried to knife his pregnant girlfriend in a Makiki home.

The two suspects were released following a decision by the Hono­lulu prosecutor’s office not to proceed with a criminal case.

Honolulu police Monday said the prosecuting attorney viewed the men’s involvement as "self-defense."

The man who died has been identified as Timothy Changwo Jr., 30, a Kauai resident.

Witnesses said the two men, ages 26 and 18, came to the aid of the girlfriend and tried to stop Changwo from stabbing her.

They said Changwo was the aggressor.

Changwo, also known as Chang Wo, had been arrested on several occasions on Kauai and Oahu dating back to 2007, and he was sentenced in Family Court to 25 days in jail last year for harassment.

Police said when officers arrived at the residence at Metcalf Street, they found Changwo unresponsive.

Police said they began efforts to revive him, and he was taken in critical condition to a hospital.

Neighbors said the girlfriend lived at the residence and often saw Changwo.

The neighborhood was awakened when people heard the pregnant woman’s sister yelling for help.

A witness said she saw Changwo on top of his girlfriend, holding a knife above his head.

The 26-year-old man, who is the girlfriend’s brother-in-law, and the 18-year-old man, who was staying overnight, both struggled with Changwo.