Francesca Kelso, the 24-year-old woman who was shot multiple times after an altercation at the Kapilina Beach Homes parking lot in Ewa Beach, is now in stable condition, her family revealed. Honolulu police are deep into an attempted murder investigation following the Tuesday night incident. According to a Hawaii News Now report, Kelso was attacked around 8:05 p.m. by a 31-year-old male suspect, identified as her ex-roommate, who later was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
After being shot while leaving her job as a pool attendant, Kelso managed to escape to a secure area despite the multiple wounds. The community at Kapilina Beach Homes, described as usually quiet and close-knit, has been left in shock by the violent outburst. In a statement obtained by KHON2, residents and family members have expressed their disbelief and extended their support for Kelso.
Emergency Medical Services transported Kelso to The Queen’s Medical Center, initially listed in critical condition. Neighbors and well-wishers have rallied around Kelso's family, starting a GoFundMe page to help cover medical expenses and provide financial support as she recovers. "We're just gonna share it out there on social media and hope we can raise the funds for her to you know, recover and hopefully have a full recovery," Michelle Poppler, a resident of Kapilina Beach Homes, told KHON2.
Witnesses initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks, which underscores the rarity of such incidents in the Ewa Beach community. "Honestly, I feel like it's very tragic," Kapilina Beach Homes resident Kyler Ibana told KHON2, echoing a sentiment of disbelief and concern. Honolulu police, continuing to investigate, have called on anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward, as detailed in a report by Hoodline. The suspect’s motive for the shooting remains under investigation, even as the locality grapples with the repercussions of the violence that shattered its serenity.
