Man pleads guilty to murder of 4-year-old boy in Moiliili

A 35-year-old man pleaded guilty today to the Oct. 10, 2016 murder of a 4-year-old boy and the attempted murder of the child’s aunt in their Lime Street apartment in Moiliili.

Waiser Walter, a hanai relative of the aunt who had lived with her, pleaded guilty to the 10-year-old crimes, including first-degree attempted murder, which carries a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

He pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder in the stabbing of Imaculata Roke, now 39, who received multiple stab wounds to the back. Roke considered Walter her adopted brother.

Walter also pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the stabbing death of Jeremiah Roke, Roke’s nephew, who received multiple stab wounds to the chest.

Walter took a plea deal in February 2020, pleading guilty to second-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder, but he later moved to withdraw the pleas prior to sentencing.

The Circuit Court denied the motion, so Walter appealed.

The high court reversed the lower court’s ruling, and Walter was allowed to withdraw his plea.

Walter’s trial was scheduled to begin April 6, but changed his plea today.

Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm said in a written statement: “This case represents one of the most heartbreaking acts of violence our community has ever faced.

“A 4-year-old child lost his life in a brutal and senseless attack, and his aunt survived only after enduring unimaginable trauma.

“While no court action can undo the harm done or return this child to his family, today’s guilty plea ensures accountability and spares the victim and her loved ones the pain of reliving these events through a trial.

Alm said, “We will now seek the maximum sentence permitted by law to protect the community and honor the life that was taken.”