A judge has sentenced a man from California after he pleaded guilty to stabbing his girlfriend multiple times with a steak knife while they were on holiday in Hawaii.
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According to a
press release by the Hawaii County Prosecutors Office, the incident occurred on September 1, 2022. The suspect, Richard Lopez, 67, was sentenced on March 14, 2025. The statement explains that Lopez visited the Waikoloa Beach Marriot Resort with his 64-year-old girlfriend. They had been a couple for seventeen years.The Waikoloa Beach Marriot Resort is a luxury getaway destination. Depending on the type of room, a stay at the resort can cost over $3300 per night.
Per the Daily Mail, Police responded to a report of a stabbing at the resort during the night. Officers found a woman with 'numerous life-threatening injuries,' including cuts to the face and neck. Police determined that the cuts were inflicted with a steak knife. Authorities took both Lopez and his girlfriend to hospital as he also had visible injuries. In October 2022, the Hawaii Tribune reported that authorities held Lopez with a $1 Million bond, even though the defense wanted this figure slashed in half.
Prosecutors opposed the proposal of $500,000 bail, suggesting authorities hold Lopez without bail until trial.
The outlet also explains that Lopez pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and the abuse of a family or household member.
Lopez Was Sentenced After Changing His Plea
The press release says Lopez entered a 'Guilty' plea on December 27, 2024. Citing 'the influence of extreme mental or emotional disturbance at the time of the incident,' Lopez pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder. A Judge sentenced the suspect for Attempted Manslaughter on March 14, 2025.
Per the statement, "Attempted Manslaughter is a class A felony offense which carries a maximum penalty of a twenty-year prison term." The courts also ordered Lopez to serve a mandatory six-year and eight-month sentence.
The statement does not reveal a potential motive for the attack or any events that happened prior to the incident. The victim's condition is also unknown.
