Attempted murder charge filed in stabbing

A preliminary hearing is set for today for a 61-year-old man accused of attempted murder for allegedly stabbing his wife Saturday.

Ikhyun Chang made his initial appearance Monday before Kona District Judge Margaret Masunaga on charges of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree terroristic threatening and felony abuse of a family or household member stemming from the alleged incident Saturday afternoon at a Kailua-Kona residence.

If prosecutors show they have probable cause to support the charges, the case will be sent to Circuit Court for trial.

Chang was arrested Saturday after Kona Patrol officers responded to a report of a stabbing about 4:40 p.m. at a Kailua-Kona residence. Upon arrival at the residence, officers made contact with a woman who had reportedly been assaulted with an edged weapon by her spouse.

The victim was treated for her injuries at Kona Community Hospital and later released, police said.

Detectives subsequently charged Chang with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree terroristic threatening and felony abuse of a family or household member. Bail was set at $54,000 pending his initial appearance.

A request Monday by Chang’s counsel, Deputy Public Defender Ann Datta, to have her client released on supervised release was denied by Masunaga and his bail was maintained at $54,000. Chang remained behind bars as of press time Monday.

According to the complaint, Chang allegedly intentionally or knowingly caused “bodily injury by impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood by applying pressure on the throat or the neck with any part of the body or a ligature” and sliced or stabbed the woman’s neck.

Anyone with information about the case should contact Detective Brandon Mansur via email at brandon.mansur@hawaiicounty.gov or by calling 326-4646, ext. 301.

Email Chelsea Jensen at cjensen@westhawaiitoday.com.