The City of Honolulu has agreed to a $1 million settlement with the family of a 16-year-old boy who was shot and killed by police officers during a confrontation over a stolen vehicle in 2021. The payout concludes a wrongful death lawsuit filed after the fatal incident, which sparked significant legal and community controversy.
The Fatal Incident and Police Response
On 5 April 2021, officers from the Honolulu Police Department responded to reports of a stolen Honda Civic. The vehicle, taken two days prior, was allegedly linked to several crimes including an armed robbery. Officers Geoffrey Thom, Zackary Ah Nee, and Christopher Fredeluces located the car and attempted a traffic stop, which escalated into a high-speed chase.
The pursuit ended at an intersection where officers Thom and Ah Nee blocked the Civic. According to the subsequent legal complaint, Officer Ah Nee tried to open the car door and instructed the driver, Iremamber Sykap, to get out. Officer Thom then fired 10 rounds through the rear window. Eight of those bullets struck Sykap, a 16-year-old from the Federated States of Micronesia.
The teenager sustained catastrophic injuries, including gunshot wounds to the back of his head, neck, upper back, and left arm. The medical examiner confirmed the bullets fractured his skull, entered his brain, and shattered his spine. He died from his injuries at the scene.
Legal Proceedings and Dismissed Criminal Charges
In the aftermath, the three officers faced criminal charges. Officer Thom was charged with second-degree murder, while Ah Nee and Fredeluces faced attempted murder charges. Prosecutors argued the officers' claim of self-defence—that the Civic bumped their patrol car—was unsupported by body camera footage.
However, in a significant turn, District Court Judge William Domingo dismissed all charges in October 2021. Judge Domingo ruled prosecutors lacked probable cause, noting the context of the preceding car chase and agreeing the officers could have believed they were in danger when they opened fire.
A month after her grandson's death, Iremamber's grandmother and legal guardian, Akiwine Sykap, filed a civil wrongful death lawsuit against the city and the officers. The recently approved $1 million settlement brings that civil case to a close. The family's attorney, Eric Seitz, stated the amount was far lower than the $8-$10 million they would have sought at trial, a reduction he attributed partly to racist sentiment surrounding the case within the community.
Community Reckoning and Official Statements
The case has highlighted tensions within Hawaii, particularly concerning the treatment of Micronesian communities. The family's legal team pointed to vitriolic social media commentary referencing "dirty Micronesians" as a factor influencing the settlement decision.
Honolulu Mayor Richard Blangiardi stated the settlement allows the community to move forward while maintaining support for a police department that serves with "professionalism and courage." Interim Police Chief Rade Vanic confirmed the department stands behind the officers, all of whom remain employed by the HPD.
While the criminal case was dismissed and the civil suit settled, the incident leaves unresolved questions about police use of force and accountability. The payout, authorised by the Honolulu City Council, provides financial compensation but underscores a tragic loss and a complex legal battle that divided public opinion.
