Big Isle detective A Big Island police detective was arrested for murder in connection with the fatal shooting of his wife in Waikoloa, police said.
arrested in killing
The Waikoloa man is held in
custody for the murder of his wifeBy Leila Fujimori
lfujimori@starbulletin.comAlbert Pacheco, 45, of Waikoloa, was off-duty when he was arrested without incident at about 7:25 p.m. Friday night on Lina Poepoe Street in Waikoloa, South Kohala.
Through a news release yesterday, Hilo police tentatively identified the woman as Pacheco's wife, Cathalene Ann Pacheco, 42. Positive identification will be made through fingerprints or dental records. An autopsy is scheduled for this morning at the Hilo Medical Center.
Police say a preliminary investigation shows Pacheco intentionally drove his vehicle into his wife's car, blocked it off, then shot her several times, according to the news release.
Pacheco, who was assigned to the Kona Criminal Investigation Section, is being held in the Hilo police cellblock, pending further investigation.
Police recovered a handgun they believe was used in the shooting, which will be sent to a Honolulu police crime laboratory for ballistic and forensic testing. Detectives are continuing to interview people to determine a motive for the shooting.
A resident of Lina Poepoe Street said the Pachecos live on their street.
Mrs. Wayne McCarthy said the suspect "was apparently chasing her (the victim) around" and the cars crashed on the street in front of her house. She and her husband heard gunshots.
Her husband, a doctor, rushed outside and tried to assist.
McCarthy said yesterday, "They're putting flowers there.
"The whole thing is an absolute tragedy," she said.
Police said they received reports of a shooting and traffic accident at about 7 p.m. Friday night.
The victim was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
"It's so quiet, something like this happen, I can't believe it happened here," said one neighbor, who asked not to be named.