The man accused of going on a random shooting spree early Friday morning remains in custody awaiting possible murder and attempted murder charges.
Police say 28 year-old Toby Stangel shot and killed 54 year-old Tammy Nguyen in her van near the intersection of Kapiolani and Kapahulu.
Stangel is also accused of shooting and injuring two others on the H-1 freeway.
Bill Toki, says his cousin, 38 year-old Sampson Naupoto, had just finished working along the H-1 freeway near Likelike Friday night when he was shot at.
"They were cleaning the drains on the freeways on the sides where all the water goes to when it happened," says Toki.
He says Naupoto noticed a man with a gun open fire at a silver truck in front of him. 24-year-old Amie Asuncion was the driver, she was coming home from work as a nurse at a care home. Her drivers side was shot at, multiple times. One of the bullets went through both side windows, another hit asuncion in her lower back. Police later identified the shooter as Toby Stangel.
"Especially here in Hawaii never hear of stuff like that," says Toki.
Toki says Naupoto came up behind Asuncion and maneuvered his GMC Yukon to get between her and Stangel.
"He was trying to help the lady in some way," says Toki. "I think so, he turned the attention from shooting the lady, started shooting at him."
Toki says two gun shots hit Naupoto’s SUV.
"2 that hit the vehicle, but they don’t know how many more shots he took at it," says Toki.
One of the bullets entered his passenger side door, went thru the center consol and hit Naupoto in the thigh just below his right hip.
"He didn’t know he was hit, started to black-out, couldn’t feel anything any more," says Toki. "It’s lodged in the other side somewhere but they haven’t taken the bullet out, it’s still in there."
Naupoto remains at the hospital in intensive care.
"It’s scary, I mean he was really lucky," says Toki. "He said he was lucky to be alive."
"Maybe if he was in a car then things could have been more worse."
Asuncion’s father says his daughter also remains under doctors care, thankful she survived after being shot at seven times.
"They are really fortunate to be alive, really," says Toki.
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Toby Stangel’s parents, Mike and Karen, released this statement Saturday:
"We are broken and sick with grief. Our hearts and prayers go out to the innocent families who have been affected by this tragic act. We wish we had an explanation, but there simply is none. Those who know us, know we have always loved our son with an unconditional love. We thank all of you who have sent us your love, prayers & support. We are looking to the Lord Jesus for guidance, strength & comfort."
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
