A 20-year-old Mililani man is in police custody this morning in connection with the shooting death of a 17-year-old boy yesterday in Mililani. Mililani man held
in death of youthBy Rod Antone
rantone@starbulletin.comRobert Rhoda Jr. was shot in the chest at a Waikalani Woodlands apartment at 95-257 Waikalani Drive about 4 p.m. yesterday, police said.
Emergency crews found Rhoda in an apartment in Building B of Waikalani Woodlands and took him to Wahiawa General Hospital where he later died. Rhoda lived in Building C of Waikalani Woodlands, across the street from Building B. The suspect, who was arrested last night, lives at the apartment where the shooting occurred.
Honolulu Police Lt. Bill Kato said the suspect, two other men and the victim were in the apartment when the shooting took place, though there are conflicting stories as to whether the shooting was accidental.
Police said the suspect was holding a semi-automatic weapon in his hand when it discharged. Police have not recovered the weapon. They were waiting this morning for a judge to issue a search warrant for the apartment.
Friends of Rhoda said the former Leilehua High student had been trying to get his life back together before he was killed.
"He was a good guy, respectful of others," said friend Jose Molina. "I was so angry when I heard what happened."
"Rob just took the G.E.D. (high school equivalency test) and was waiting for the results," said Keoni Hoapili. "He wanted to finish his education and enlist in the Army National Guard."