Hawai’i Island police charged 77-year-old Lowell Thomas Pofahl, of Pahoa, with attempted murder following a domestic incident with his 76-year-old wife at their Nanawale Estates home.
On November 22, police received a call from a male identifying as Pofahl, stating that he had attempted to kill his wife.
Puna patrol officers responded to the scene and took Pofahl into custody without incident. Officers then located the victim lying in a pool of blood, with severe life-threatening injuries. Officers rendered first aide to the victim, until Hawai’i County Fire Department personnel arrived, continued life-saving measures and transported her to the Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room.
Upon initial assessment of her injuries, the victim received a fractured skull, brain bleed, concussion, partial thumb amputation, and numerous puncture wounds and lacerations about her body. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was later transported to the Queen’s Medical Center on O’ahu.
Honolulu Police Department detectives assisted with following up with the victim on O’ahu.
Area I Criminal Investigation Division personnel served a search warrant at the Nanawale Estates residence, and recovered various weapons believed to have been used by Pofahl to beat the victim, as well as additional evidentiary items.
After conferral with Hawai’i County Prosecutors, detectives with the Area I Juvenile Aid Section charged Pofahl with:
- Second-degree attempted murder
- First-degree assault
- Abuse of a family or household member
- Carrying or use of a firearm in the commission of a separate felony