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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 4, 2008

Ala Moana murder suspect charged

By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Christopher S. Alesna, charged suspect in fatal Ala Moana shooting.

Courtesy of Honolulu Police Department

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A 19-year-old Kalihi man charged with Monday's fatal shooting at Ala Moana Beach Park has an initial appearance scheduled tomorrow at District Court.

Christopher S. Alesna of a Palama Street address was charged with second-degree murder and two firearm offenses in connection with the shooting death of Khaynava Phanthanouvong, 18, of Kalihi. He is being held overnight at HPD's Central Receiving Division cellblock in lieu of $150,000 bail.

According to an affidavit filed at District Court, police investigators identified Alesna as the shooter named "Chris" they were looking for after receiving a witness tip Monday on where he lived.

Alesna surrendered at the main police station building yesterday at 9:30 p.m. on the advice of family friend Erwin Gabrillo. State Rep. John Mizuno, D-30th (Kamehameha Heights-Kalihi Valley-Fort Shafter) was asked by Gabrillo, a close friend, to accompany he and Alesna to the police station.

The court document stated that Phanthanouvong allegedly was calling and text messaging Alesna on Sunday and Monday, challenging him to fight. They agreed to meet at Ala Moana Beach Park.

At 2:30 a.m. Monday, Phanthanouvong and Alesna were at the kokohead end of the park.

The affidavit stated Alesna and an unknown male approached Phanthanouvong and a male companion near the Waikiki Yacht Club. Witnesses heard a gunshot and told police they saw all four males fighting before Phanthanouvong and his companion began running toward their vehicle with a large group of men in pursuit.

Witnesses told police Alesna allegedly pointed a handgun at Phanthanouvong and two other men and fired two or three shots, the affidavit said. Phanthanouvong told friends he had been shot and was taken to The Queen's Medical Center, where he died at 2:50 a.m.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.