Eric Thompson, a 47-year-old anesthesiologist from Maui, was convicted of second-degree murder on February 25 for shooting Jon Tokuhara, an acupuncturist operating a practice in Waipahu, Hawaii. The killing took place in January 2022 and stemmed from a personal relationship that had spiraled into violence.
The case centered on a love triangle that had developed in the months leading up to the fatal shooting. Thompson discovered that his wife was having an affair with Tokuhara approximately six months before the murder occurred. The emotional turmoil from this discovery appears to have set Thompson on a collision course with his wife's lover.
On the day of the incident in January 2022, Thompson entered Tokuhara's acupuncture shop in Waipahu and shot the victim. The crime shocked the local community and drew attention to the dangers of jealousy and rage in intimate relationship disputes.
The Oahu Circuit Court found Thompson guilty not only of second-degree murder but also of use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Judge Paul Wong handed down the sentence following the guilty verdict.
Thompson was sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole. However, he will not be eligible for parole consideration for a minimum of 15 years. The Hawaii Paroling Authority retains the discretion to set a longer minimum term if deemed appropriate, potentially extending the period before Thompson can seek release.
The case reflects the dangerous intersection of personal betrayal and access to weapons. Thompson's position as a medical professional and his apparent lack of a significant criminal history did not shield him from the full consequences of his actions. The crime underscores how infidelity, when combined with poor impulse control and access to firearms, can result in tragedy.
For Tokuhara's family and the Waipahu community, the conviction provides a measure of justice, though it cannot restore what was lost. The case has likely served as a sobering reminder of how quickly personal disputes can escalate to fatal violence in Hawaii and beyond.
**Sources** - https://www.instagram.com/p/DLbLMDfPeUU/ - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyWV360OUA4 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b-h_i9md2s
