Hawaii Department of Health issues statement on altercation at Hawaii State Hospital. This occurred after an incident between a former patient and staff member resulted in the death of the staff member.
An unfortunate tragedy has unfolded at the Hawaii State Hospital. An altercation between a former Hawaii State Hospital patient and a staff member on Nov. 13, 2023 left that staff member dead, according to a news release from the Hawaii Department of Health, which issued a statement. Dr. Kenneth S. Fink said in the statement:
"It appears that an individual who was discharged from the Hawaiʻi State Hospital in August and was transitioning to the community through the State Operated Specialized Residential Program caused the fatal injury. On-site State Hospital leadership immediately responded to ensure the safety of residents and staff. Deputy Director for Behavioral Health Marian Tsuji, Hawaiʻi State Hospital Administrator Dr. Kenneth Luke, and I arrived on campus this evening to support operations and offer emotional support to staff. We are working with law enforcement to support their investigation into this matter and will provide updates as they become available."
Further details about those involved have since been released. KITV identified the staff member who died as Nurse Justin Bautista and note that he worked at the hospital for four years and was working as an evening shift nurse at a transitional group home on the grounds of the hospital on the night of his death. The outlet also identified the suspect in the case as a 25-year-old man as Tommy Kekoa Carvalho.
The legal proceedings regarding this incident are already underway. On Nov. 15, Carvalho was indicted for one count of Murder in the Second Degree, by a grand jury on Oahu, according to a news release from Governor Josh Green’s office. The charge carries a mandatory life sentence, with the possibility of parole. Carvalho will be held without bail, as ordered by Judge Ronald G. Johnson.
Additionally, past reports regarding Carvalho's behavior have also surfaced. In reports about Carvalho’s indictment, the Associated Press reported that Carvalho, accused of stabbing Bautista and killing him, had previously pled guilty to assault of a state mental health worker, in 2020. Few other details have been released about the incident.