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A man charged in last week’s deadly shooting at an illegal McCully game room was arguing with the victim about money before shots were fired, according to a court document.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled today for Nathaniel Foster, 26, on a second-degree murder charge in connection with the death of Kioco Melson, 24. Foster is being held in lieu of $1 million bail.
At about 9 p.m. Nov. 23, police responded to a report of several gunshots coming from the area of South Beretania Street and Poha Lane. A witness led officers to the second floor of the game room at 2203 S. Beretania St., where Melson’s body was covered with a blanket.
Witnesses told police a man they referred to as “Jamaica,” identified as Foster, had shot and killed Melson. One of the witnesses told officers both Melson and Foster worked at the illegal gambling room.
The witness said he saw the two men arguing with each other as Melson sat in a chair and Foster stood near the door of the game room. Police said Foster then pulled out a black semi-automatic gun from his fanny pack and shot Melson multiple times, according to the court document.
Another witness said he heard both men talking about money before Foster abruptly opened the door and allegedly shot Melson several times. The document said Foster then stood over Melson, who was on the floor, and shot him several more times before he fled.
The medical examiner’s office determined Melson died from multiple gunshot wounds. The manner of death was classified as a homicide.
A SWAT team located Foster at a Kalihi apartment Saturday and arrested him.
Foster has a criminal record of abuse of a family/household member, theft and driving without a license.
