Hawai'i Island Police Department have charged Lowell Thomas Pofahl, 77, with attempted murder after a violent altercation with his wife on Friday. The Pahoa resident stands accused of attacking his 76-year-old wife in their Nanawale Estates home, leading to her hospitalization with severe injuries. Pofahl was taken into custody without incident following a confession made via an emergency call to the Police Dispatch, admitting to the attempted killing of his wife, as reported by the Hawaii Police Department.
Charges against Pofahl, as reported on Monday by the Hawaii Police Department, include second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, abuse of a family or household member, and the carrying or use of a firearm in the commission of an separate felony. His bail has been set at $1,655,000, and he remained in police custody ahead of his initial court appearance in the Hilo District Court.
The incident took place late on Friday when Pofahl contacted police to reveal his actions. Officers arrived at the scene to find the victim in a critical state, with officers providing first aid until she could be taken to the Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room. An assessment of her injuries revealed a fractured skull, brain bleed, partial thumb amputation, and other serious wounds. Subsequently, she was transferred to the Queen’s Medical Center on O'ahu and now remains in stable condition, as per the Hawaii Police Department.
A search warrant executed at the couple's residence led to the recovery of various weapons and other evidentiary items. A shotgun, apparently used to threaten and beat the victim, was also seized, though it was not used to shoot her. Acting Detective Corey Kaneko of the Area I Juvenile Aid Section has requested that anyone with information contact (808) 961-8843 or email [email protected], or to call the Hawaii Police Department's non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.
