The 24-year-old man charged with second-degree attempted murder in an unprovoked knife attack in Kalihi had been drinking with his cousin at Mayor Wright Homes before he confronted his victim, court documents show.
John Posco Sukuruta made his initial appearance in District Court on Monday, when his bail was set at $77,000. A preliminary hearing will be held Wednesday afternoon. He requested a Chuukese translator.
According to a police affidavit, Sukuruta was intoxicated and "getting out of control" when he left the Mayor Wright apartment Thursday with a knife from his knapsack.
The cousin said he followed Sukuruta to Liliha Street and saw him approach a 30-year-old man and yell at him in Chuukese. Police said the "unprovoked" confrontation took place at 1:38 a.m. as the victim was getting out of his car.
Sukuruta’s cousin said Sukuruta raised the knife in his right hand and, while cursing, repeatedly stabbed his victim — twice in his left cheek and twice more in the left shoulder, police said.
Sukuruta fled toward Chinatown.
Patrol officers found him on North King Street at 2:05 a.m., and his cousin identified him. A knife was found just a few feet away.
Paramedics took the victim in serious condition to a hospital; he was upgraded to stable condition.
Sukuruta has two petty misdemeanor theft convictions and a criminal property damage conviction.
There has been a spate of stabbing incidents at or near the 60-year-old public housing complex during the past year.
Just before 3 a.m. Sunday a 34-year-old man was stabbed outside the complex, police said. The unknown assailant used a "dangerous weapon," then ran away, police said. The victim was taken in critical condition to a hospital.
The other incidents:
» On Jan. 27 a 32-year-old man died from stab wounds, and three others were seriously injured. Police arrested a 33-year-old Mayor Wright resident but released him after the prosecutor’s office said he acted in self-defense.
» On Sept. 10, police arrested 21-year-old Takson Krstoth in the fatal stabbing of TJ "Tipuk" Mori, 24, after an argument at the complex. Krstoth was charged with second-degree murder and is awaiting trial.
The Public Housing Authority hired a private security company last month to provide a continuing guard presence.
