HPD arrests 2 in connection with death of 3 year old
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Two women have been arrested in connection with the death of a three-year-old girl, including the child's biological mother.Police have identified the suspects as 25-year-old Janae Perez, the child's mother, and her partner, 33-year-old Ashleigh Utley. The pair was arrested on Thursday, Feb. 27, in the Kalihi area. They have not been charged.
Both women were booked on suspicion of murder, kidnapping, assault and other offenses.
Signs of child abuse to look out for, how you can help
On June 13, 2024, Honolulu police said officers responded to reports of an unresponsive child, later identified as Sarai Perez-Riviera, on Kekuilani Loop in Kapolei.
'Upon arriving at the home, first responders found Sarai malnourished and pulseless with ashen skin and bruises to her legs, hips, arms, face, back and head. There were also abrasions and scab wounds on her hand and back,' said Lt. Deena Thoemmes, Honolulu Police Department.
Honolulu EMS and HFD paramedics administered lifesaving care before transporting her to The Queen's Medical Center West where she was pronounced dead.
At the time, HPD classified the incident as an unattended death. Further investigation, additional testing and medical information helped reclassify the case as murder in the second degree.
'Through the investigation, it was learned that Janae and Ashleigh limited Sarai and [her siblings] intake of water and food. They did not allow them to eat off them and only allowed them to drink eight ounces of water a day,' Lt. Thoemmes added. 'Their Kapolei residence possessed sufficient food supply to their children, but they chose not to.'
On Feb. 24, 2025, a forensic pathologist confirmed that Sarai's cause of death was due to dehydration and starvation.
'She had a low body weight and a low body mass index, placing her in the third percentile for her age. These are findings indicative of chronic child abuse and neglect.'
In a statement, the Department of Human Services Child Welfare Services Branch Division Administrators said they are heartbroken over the tragic loss of this child. CWS works with law enforcement and respects the need for confidentiality as the investigation in the case continues.
There are currently two companion bills before the legislature that directly addresses children. Cases like Sarai highlight the urgent need of the passage of Senate Bill 281 and House Bill 388. Child torture is insidious. It is gradual, calculated and systematic, designed to break the victim's will. Our existing framework does not adequately address those acts of torture, making it difficult to hold offenders accountable. Right now without this law, we are failing the victims.
Lt. Deena Thoemmes, Honolulu Police Department
Check out more news from around Hawaii
Lt. Thoemmes added that the passing of the bill will help law enforcement gain necessary tools to intervene effectively and hold others accountable.
Anyone who may suspect child abuse or neglect should contact the Child Welfare Services hotline at (808) 832-5300 (Oahu) or (888) 380-3088 (Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kauai).
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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