Hawaii man claims self-defense in fatal shooting of teenager

HONOLULU — A Hawaii man was charged with killing a 16-year-old in a shooting he said was self-defense, court records said.

Richard M. Obrero, 50, appeared in Honolulu District Court Tuesday on charges of second-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder and a firearm-related offense.

Starsky Willy suffered a gunshot wound to his torso Nov. 7 and was taken in critical condition to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, authorities said.

Obrero reported to police that his Honolulu property was burglarized around 9 p.m. by four males he said fled to a public housing complex abutting his property.

Obrero told his wife he shot one of the males with his semi-automatic pistol when they returned and jumped over the fence between the home and the housing complex around 11 p.m., court documents said.

Officers responding to a 911 call found Obrero in his backyard wearing a ballistic vest and peering over the fence. Obrero did not have anything in his hands and told officers, “They’re shooting at me. They’re shooting at my house. Do something. Do your job,” records said.

Several people fired shots from BB guns at Obrero’s property from behind a vehicle. An officer drew his firearm and directed the group to raise their hands. Police then heard a person yell, “He shot my boy,” court records said.

After police assisted with Willy’s transport to the hospital they returned to Obrero’s home and asked if he had a gun.

“I needed to defend myself,” Obrero told officers.

Three males who said Obrero shot at them were not hurt. Witnesses told police Obrero fired twice at people who approached to ask why he shot Willy, records said.

Obrero’s bail was set at $1 million.

Acting Public Defender James Tabe could not say if his office will represent Obrero beyond the initial hearing. Tabe declined to comment on the case.