HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Many are wondering why the charges were dropped against an 18-year-old woman who was allegedly seen on video in a brutal Wahiawa attack.
The attorney for the victim’s family says the initial charges against the suspect were dropped as prosecutors explore potentially harsher offenses.
The motion filed and granted in court Thursday got the case dismissed without prejudice, leaving the door open for charges in the future.
The attorney for the victim’s family previously told Hawaii News Now they were exploring all of their options as the investigation plays out.
Three other juvenile suspects have also been released pending investigation. Authorities have not explained the charges they could face, if any.
The video sent shockwaves of anger and heartache through the community.
“It really made Leilehua and just Wahiawa in general have a bad look. And people look at it bad, which is disappointing because I know this is a good town,” said Leilehua Class of 2025 graduate Kea Conjugation.
His mom, a retired teacher, shared the sentiment.
“Knowing the students, knowing the community, and watching social media, it still hurts,” Jody Conjugation said. “Nobody likes this feeling hanging over us. I think the whole community has a heavy heart right now and it’s just trying to heal and move forward because Wahiawa is a really good place to live. There’s a lot of good people here and sometimes the stigma of certain incidents will make it seem like people just focus on that. But it’s a good place to live.”
The family of victim Carly Ng released another statement Friday, saying their first priority is to love Carly and tend to her physical and mental well-being.
Her glasses, which were broken in the attack, were replaced and generous donors have offered to provide a second pair.
“The family will navigate through this with professional help and would like to help any victims that are going through bullying alone by providing a roadmap to navigate the process. They don’t want to see this happen to any other family in Hawaii,” the statement said.
They continue to feel the love and support from the community, and hope to start a program that helps victims of bullying, the statement also said.
Donations of goods and services are being organized through the family’s attorney, Carolyn Hayashi, who can be reached at (808) 522-5133 or [email protected].
This GoFundMe account, organized by Mahi Crabbe is also another resource the family plans to utilize in their mission.
According to a letter from the complex area superintendent, the people involved were students at Wahiawa Middle and Leilehua High schools.
They were barred from campus the rest of the year, meaning the 18-year-old suspect was not allowed to walk at Friday’s graduation. The ceremony moved ahead with extra security.
“I think it’s fair and I think she’ll think about her actions and learn from it and what she needs to do,” Jody Conjugation added.
The apologies from the suspect and her family also haven’t been well received.
“I don’t think it sounds genuine because in the video you could see her like laughing, looking like she’s having a fun time, so it just looks like she’s doing that just cause all the backlash she’s facing now,” Kea Conjugation said.
While the shadow of this attack looms over the Wahiawa community, some are hoping to find a path forward as many looked to celebrate Leilehua graduates on their big night.
“I just hope everyone has a good time. It is a very big moment for all of us and I just want everyone to look forward to the future and just keep pushing,” Kea Conjugation said.
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