LIHUE A Puhi man was arrested Monday night after he allegedly assaulted a man who later died from his injuries.
LIHUE — A Puhi man was arrested Monday night after he allegedly assaulted a man who later died from his injuries.
Kulueti Taulanga, 27, is being held in police custody on suspicion of second-degree murder and first-degree robbery. His bail is set at $600,000, a county press release said.
According to a preliminary investigation, Taulanga met with a 56-year-old Lihue man shortly before 7:50 a.m. Saturday at Puhi Park. Soon after, witnesses found the man with severe injuries to his head, and called 911.
Responding medics transported the victim, identified as Leonard Guttman, to Wilcox Medical Center in critical condition. Guttman was later medevaced to Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu, where he died from his injuries Sunday evening, the release said.
Police initiated a homicide investigation, which led to the arrest of Taulanga on Monday night.
An investigation continues.
Anyone with information on this incident is urged to call Captain Paul Applegate at 241-1696 or Police Dispatch at 241-1711. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers Kauai at 246-8300.
Hmmmm I wonder if an earlier pitbull loose attacking the decedents dog was brought full circle in this days later confrontation, beating?