By JOSEPH G. LARIOSA

(© 2011 Journal Group Link International)

Tragedy Is a Classic Example of How Illegal Drugs Destroy Lives

C HICAGO (jGLi) – A Filipino American, who is said to have history of “violent past and battling drug addiction,” was indicted Wednesday (May 18) by a grand jury for murder in the second degree for allegedly fatally stabbing his step mother last May 11 in her bedroom of their Kalihi home in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Dave Coga, executive assistant for communications in the City’s Prosecutor’s office, told this reporter over the phone that Charlie Hernane, 27, is now detained at Oahu Correctional Center and will face preliminary hearing of the case next week when charges will be read against him.

Hernane is being held in lieu of a $100,000 bail.

Hernane was accused of inflicting “facial laceration” on his step mother, Teresita Hernane, 56, who was found dead by her niece, Misshell Dumalan, who called 911, at about 10 a.m. Police recovered the fatal knife in the crime scene.

H ernane was arrested immediately a few blocks away from the scene of the crime without resistance. He was found by police behind Kalakua District Park Gym wearing what looked like a blood-splattered shirt.

If convicted, Hernane faces a maximum life in prison with possibility of parole.

Motive of the killing was still being investigated. But it was reported Hernane had a “violent past and was battling drug addition, spending two years in the Philippines for drug rehabilitation.”

Hernane was out of work and had resorted to borrowing money from his stepmother and would only come out of the house to smoke or buy cigarette.

According to reports Teresita brought Charlie, her adopted son, to Hawaii from the Philippines in 1994.

Dumalan was checking on Teresita when she discovered her body inside the bedroom.

Teresita was a housekeeper at Waikiki hotel but later contracted kidney disease.

Neighbors have nothing but only fond memories of Teresita, who was caring to her neighbors. # # #

Editor’s Note: To contact the author, please e-mail him at: (lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)