Honolulu, Hawaii – Family members of an elderly couple who were attacked are calling for the maximum penalty for the suspect involved in the incident, which occurred on Friday. As of late Saturday, it remains unclear if an arrest has been made in connection to the assault.
The granddaughter of the 72-year-old female victim, Mariah Schlegel, expressed her shock and anger over the attack. She was at her workplace in Seattle, 3,000 miles away, when she received a video showing her grandmother being assaulted in an apartment parking garage on Kalakaua Avenue. Schlegel is advocating for a severe punishment to serve as a deterrent against assaulting the elderly.
The family has chosen not to disclose the names of the victims as they focus on their recovery. According to Schlegel, the incident started when her grandmother confronted a food delivery driver who was illegally parked. The altercation escalated when the driver knocked her down, prompting her 65-year-old partner to intervene, only to be attacked himself.
Schlegel described the assault as a heinous act, emphasizing the need for justice against such violence targeting vulnerable individuals. The 72-year-old woman was transported to the hospital in serious condition following the incident.
In response to the attack, State Rep. Adrian Tam, representing the Ala Moana and Waikiki area, highlighted the importance of holding accountable those who commit crimes against seniors. In 2021, legislators passed a bill increasing penalties for intentional acts targeting individuals aged 60 and older, a measure intended to protect the elderly from harm.
The family expressed gratitude for the support and concern shown by the public during this challenging time. Law enforcement authorities are urging anyone with information on the suspect to come forward and assist in the investigation. The community is rallying together to ensure that justice is served in this distressing case of elder abuse.