Nathan Kaleo Pedro and Jackie Napuaokalani Carter have been arrested and charged following a violent kidnapping incident in Hilo early Sunday morning, March 24, 2024.
According to Hawaii Island police, the 31-year-old victim was contacted by Carter and agreed to meet with her at a lounge in Hilo. However, upon arriving, the victim was assaulted by Pedro, who forcefully took his belongings and abducted him against his will. Pedro then proceeded to physically assault the victim with a baton and threaten him with a firearm before leaving him severely injured in a remote area.
The investigation led to the arrest of Pedro and Carter in Waimea, where Carter turned herself in to the police station, and Pedro was located shortly after. The suspects were then transported to the Hilo Police Cellblock for further investigation. A search warrant was issued for Pedro's vehicle, which resulted in the recovery of a significant amount of illegal substances and drug paraphernalia.
Pedro has been charged with a multitude of offenses, including kidnapping, assault, robbery, drug possession, and unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, among others. His bail has been set at $1,165,000. On the other hand, Carter faces charges of kidnapping, robbery, and theft, with a bail set at $110,000.
Both Pedro and Carter appeared in Hilo District Court for their initial court appearance on Wednesday, March 27. The investigation also led to the execution of a search warrant at a resort room rented by the suspects, where a substantial amount of methamphetamine, firearm parts, ammunition, and cash were recovered.
The victim was treated at Hilo Medical Center and later released. Additional charges related to the items recovered from the hotel room are pending and will be forwarded to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.