In a quiet Kapolei cul-de-sac on what should have been a normal Friday, the life of 26-year-old Noel Lono was tragically cut short on February 27, 2026. A female, Lono was known for her warmth and selfless dedication to her loved ones, a quality that ultimately placed her in harm's way. The tragic events unfolded when she went to her family's home to support her 16-year-old cousin, who was ending a relationship with a significantly older man.
The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Shaison Laupola, was the ex-boyfriend of Lono's teenage cousin and had gone to the residence to retrieve some of his belongings.
An argument reportedly broke out between Laupola and his former girlfriend concerning an iPad. As the confrontation escalated, Noel Lono stepped in to intervene. It was then that Laupola allegedly brandished a firearm and shot Lono in the head, killing her at the scene. He is also accused of shooting the 16-year-old girl in the arm as she attempted to flee the house. Neighbors who heard the four or five gunshots rushed to help the injured teen after seeing her run from the home. Lono's husband later stated that his wife would do anything to protect her loved ones.
Following the shooting, Shaison Laupola fled the scene but later turned himself in at the Kapolei police station, reportedly brought in by a family member who told officers, "I have to turn in my son. he shot somebody." and presented a bag containing a firearm. Laupola was arrested and subsequently indicted by an Oahu grand jury. He faces a dozen counts, including murder, attempted murder, terroristic threatening, burglary, abuse, and several firearm offenses.
In his initial court appearance, Laupola kept his head down as prosecutors described how he allegedly forced his way into the home before the fatal argument. A judge denied his request for bail, and he is being held without bail. Laupola has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The 20-year age gap between Laupola and his teenage ex-girlfriend has become a part of the ongoing investigation.
