HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Aaron Tuitelapaga, 29, has been found guilty of Murder in the Second Degree, Robbery in the First Degree, and three firearms offenses stemming from a fatal robbery at a game room in the Ala Moana area.
The jury verdict marks a significant development in the case surrounding the shooting death of Sausau Togiai III on August 12, 2020.
According to Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Scott Bell, Togiai, who was working as security at the game room, was fatally shot while attempting to stop the robbery.
“This is already the second guilty verdict this year for murder at an illegal game room. And less than two months ago a man was indicted for a separate game room murder,” said Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm. “These establishments are not only illegal. They are extremely dangerous for the people who work there, the people who squander their money there, and the people who try to rob the game rooms. We will continue to work with the Honolulu Police Department and other partners to close these illicit businesses and prosecute those who commit crimes at them,” Alm added.
Tuitelapaga faces a potential life sentence with the possibility of parole when he is sentenced on October 16, 2024.
Additionally, he is slated to stand trial later this year on a manslaughter charge for allegedly beating 36-year-old Christopher Vaefaga to death at Oahu Community Correctional Center in July 2023.