A 23-year-old Marine was stabbed to death in Hawaii ‘while protecting a friend’ after getting into a verbal altercation early Saturday morning.
Sgt William Brown was stabbed after the altercation broke out at the corner of Kalakaua Ave and Royal Hawaiian Ave around 1am.
The Tennessee native was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. He died a short time later.
Brown served as an 81 mm mortarman, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, based on Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe, according to a statement from the 3rd Marine Division.
Marine Sgt. William Brown (pictured in December 2016 with then-President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama), 23, was stabbed to death ‘while protecting a friend’ on Saturday in Hawaii
The Tennessee native was rushed to the hospital where he died a short time later
Brown (left) served as an 81 mm mortarman, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, based on Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe, according to a statement from the 3rd Marine Division
‘Sergeant Brown was a beloved member of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines who had been with the unit for five years.
‘He had qualities we value in our Marine non-commissioned officers,’ said Lt Col Steven Eastin, battalion commander, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines.
‘His death is tragic and the battalion joins his family in grief. He will always be loved and remembered,’ Eastin added.
The Honolulu Police Department classified his death as a homicide and shortly after the incident, authorities arrested 21-year-old Brad Paul Aliksa, according to Hawaii News Now.
Aliksa was taken into custody on suspicion of second-degree murder. The department said Aliksa was released on Monday pending the investigation.
A 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl were also arrested, but it’s unclear if they were released as well.
Six other teens were also arrested for other offenses, but were eventually released.
Police have not released details on the altercation as they continue their investigation.
Brown’s family posted a heartfelt tribute to their relative on Facebook. ‘Known for his infectious laugh, beautiful smile, and memorable hugs, Mike was truly loved by so many,’ the post read
According to Brown’s (right) family, he was promoted to sergeant on October 1. ‘To celebrate Mike’s life, the family asks that in lieu of flowers a Memorial contribution be made in his name to the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation ,’ the Facebook post read
Brown’s family posted a heartfelt tribute to their relative on Facebook.
‘Mike’s life was tragically cut short while protecting a friend. Some say the good die young, we say Heaven couldn’t wait.
‘Known for his infectious laugh, beautiful smile, and memorable hugs, Mike was truly loved by so many,’ the post read.
According to Brown’s family, he was promoted to sergeant on October 1.
‘To celebrate Mike’s life, the family asks that in lieu of flowers a Memorial contribution be made in his name to the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation,’ the Facebook post read.
His personal awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.
Anyone with any information is urged to call Honolulu Police or Honolulu CrimeStoppers at 808-955-8300.
His personal awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons
The incident took place at the corner of Kalakaua Ave and Royal Hawaiian Ave (pictured) around 1am