Police cite cash, drugs
as motive in shooting

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By Nelson Daranciang
ndaranciang@starbulletin.com

The three men charged with murder conspiracy went to the Pauoa Valley home of a 42-year-old man last week to rob him of drugs and money, according to court records.

Allen Costa, Jr., 23, James Abalos, 23, and Shawn Shelton, 31, made their initial court appearances yesterday for criminal conspiracy to commit robbery. Costa is also charged with attempted murder. All three remain in custody.

Police said a masked gunman entered the home at 2013A Booth Road on July 2, went to a bedroom and shot Hanalei Yost with a round in the arm and abdomen. The gunman and another suspect who entered the home fled empty-handed, said Detective Gary Lahens, Honolulu Police Criminal Investigation Division.

Yost was taken to Queen's Medical Center in critical condition, but has since improved and has been discharged. Following the shooting, Yost told police he believed he knew his assailant.

Police picked up Shelton on Saturday to question him as a possible witness. According to a police affidavit, Shelton said he, Abalos and Costa went to Yost's home to rob him.

Shelton said he drove the trio to Pauoa Valley and waited in the car while Costa and Abalos went to Yost's home. According to the affidavit, Shelton identified Costa as the masked gunman who shot Yost.

Police arrested Abalos early Sunday after Shelton arranged a meeting with him in Kalihi. Costa also was arrested Sunday at his home.