65 year-old Richard Lopez of California was indicted with attempted murder, assault, and abuse following a September 1, incident at the Waikoloa Beach Marriot Resort where he is alleged to have stabbed and slashed his 64 year-old girlfriend numerous times.

As the Indictment alleges, Lopez was charged with Attempted Murder in the Second
Degree, Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, and Abuse of a Family or
Household Member. Attempted Murder in the Second Degree carries a penalty of life in prison
with the possibility of parole. Prosecutors have also provided notice of an intention to seek a
mandatory prison term in accordance with statutory sentencing guidelines in relation to
imprisonment for offenses against the elderly.

Lopez is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Kona Circuit Court today.

The investigation was initiated by South Kohala Patrol, and the felony investigation was
handled by Detectives Scott A. Dewey and Brandon Mansur, Area II Juvenile Aid Section, and
members of the Area II Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is
being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Kaua Jackson and Kate Perazich.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and
until proven guilty.

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney