Honolulu man charged with murder after allegedly beating father to death

A 32-year-old man has been charged with the murder of his 70-year-old father in Honolulu. Joshua Israel Black is accused of beating Jesus Israel Black to death in their shared apartment. The incident has raised concerns about mental health and medication compliance. On Wednesday, June 10, emergency services received a 911 call about a man covered in blood near Liliha Bakery. Five police officers responded and found Joshua Black wearing a bloodstained white shirt. He appeared distressed, speaking loudly, rapidly, and incoherently.

Earlier that day, Joshua had texted his mother, saying he felt unwell. Jesus Black was discovered nearby, bleeding and struggling to breathe. He had severe facial injuries and was rushed to hospital but died at 8:27 p.m. from blunt force trauma to the head and neck. The medical examiner later ruled the death a homicide.

Joshua Black’s mother reported he had schizophrenia, depression, and attention-deficit disorder. A 2014 car accident left him legally disabled. Earlier this year, he stopped taking his schizophrenia medication and began using medical cannabis. Joshua Black was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. His father’s death was confirmed as homicide. The case highlights the serious consequences of untreated mental health conditions.