Thane Leialoha
Thane Leialoha, 28, was being transported in a van with other people held at the Big Island courthouse toward the Hawaii Community Correctional Center when he got out of the van at an intersection in Hilo. Authorities say a corrections officer gave a warning and then fired a shot that struck him in the head, and he died from it on April 11, 2006. State officials are investigating whether he was properly restrained and whether deadly force was appropriate, and the officer was placed on administrative leave. Reports that Mr. Leialoha struck the officer before running are under investigation and have not been confirmed.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff. State prison officials say a corrections officer fired the fatal shot after giving a warning, and state officials are investigating whether the use of deadly force was appropriate.
Reported by: state prison officials and authorities. The only account of how this person died comes from the agency that held him.