Tragedy Strikes as Hawaiian Social Media Influencer Fatally Shot by Estranged Husband in Parking Lot
A devastating tragedy unfolded at Pearlridge Center on Friday morning as 33-year-old Theresa Cachuela, a social media influencer and beauty entrepreneur, was fatally shot in the head by her estranged husband, Jason Cachuela, 44, in front of her daughter. The incident has been reported as a murder-suicide by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
According to KITV, Theresa’s 8-year-old daughter witnessed the shooting and informed the police that her father pulled the trigger. Jason Cachuela shot himself shortly after fleeing the scene in a grey Mazda.
The police are currently investigating the deaths as a murder-suicide, which occurred just two weeks after a judge granted Theresa Cachuela’s petition for an order of protection against her estranged husband, as reported by the New York Times.
Police Lieutenant Deena Thoemmes stated that “This was not a random act, as the victim and suspect were involved in a relationship.” She also mentioned that a temporary restraining order had been served, classifying the case as first-degree murder.
Furthermore, police recovered five registered firearms from Jason Cachuela’s property.
Theresa Cachuela’s mother, Lucita Ani-Nihoa, spoke to Hawaii News Now, expressing the trauma her young granddaughter experienced by witnessing the tragic event. She also mentioned the threats made by Jason Cachuela towards Theresa, including holding a knife to his own neck and showing up at her house multiple times to apologize while still making threats.
Ani-Nihoa described the heartbreaking shooting on a GoFundMe page, lamenting the loss of her daughter and expressing her frustration with the justice system, stating, “My daughter did not deserve this. She was trying so hard to get help, but the Justice system failed her.”
The community is left in shock and mourning over the loss of Theresa Cachuela, a beloved and respected figure in Hawaii. The investigation into this tragic murder-suicide continues as authorities work to bring justice to the family and loved ones affected by this devastating event.