Man convicted of fatal arcade robbery faces life in prison

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Aaron Tuitelapaga, 29, has been found guilty of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery and three firearms offenses stemming from a fatal robbery at an Ala Moana-area game room.

The jury’s verdict marks a significant development in the case surrounding the shooting death of Sausau Togiai III on August 12, 2020.

According to Assistant District Attorney Scott Bell, Togiai, who worked as a security guard at the game room, was fatally shot while trying to stop the robbery.

“This is already the second guilty verdict this year for murder at an illegal gambling hall. And less than two months ago, a man was charged with another murder at a gambling hall,” said District Attorney Steve Alm. “These establishments are not only illegal. They are extremely dangerous for the people who work there, for those who waste their money there, and for those who attempt to rob the gambling halls. We will continue to work with the Honolulu Police Department and other partners to shut down these illicit businesses and prosecute those who commit crimes there,” Alm added.

Tuitelapaga faces a possible life sentence with the possibility of parole when he is sentenced on October 16, 2024.

Additionally, he is scheduled to stand trial later this year on involuntary manslaughter charges for allegedly beating Christopher Vaefaga, 36, to death at the Oahu Community Correctional Center in July 2023.