Teen suspect in viral Wahiawa assault case released, issues apology
HONOLULU (KHON2) — It's a disturbing video on social media that has sparked outrage. It shows a 21-year-old woman being assaulted by a group of teenagers from Leilehua High School and Wahiawa Middle School.
The incident happened back in April. But the video surfaced this week, setting off a firestorm online.
Viral Wahiawa bully video sparks community outrage
The oldest in the group, an 18-year-old woman arrested for assault, appeared in court earlier today and spoke exclusively with KHON2.
It's a video that sparked outrage, a 21-year-old woman, slapped, punched and kicked by a group of teenagers in broad daylight. The video is so disturbing, we are not showing it.
It happened in Wahiawa more than a month ago, but only went viral this week.
Four teenagers seen in the video were arrested on Wednesday, May 21. The three teens who are under 18 were released.
Jasmine Keola, 18, appeared in court today on charges of third-degree assault and criminal property damage, but had her case dismissed so that law enforcement could conduct further investigation.
Prosecutors can still refile charges later, but she was released from custody and KHON spoke with her outside the courthouse.
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Keola said it started with name-calling on the bus.
'It was incidents on the bus that happened and it just got way out of hand. So I took it upon myself, I got pressured actually to fighting the girl. I didn't want to fight her. but I did anyway. So I talked to her but again I'm sorry for what I did, I didn't mean to do it,' said Keola.
Keola's mother, who asked not to be identified, told us the family has been receiving threats for 'street justice' and wanted the community to know she, too is in pain and scared for their safety.
'I apologize for my children's behavior, and I really, you know, I'm being sincere, and I'm talking from the heart that I am sorry that, you know, my kids did what they did,' said the mother.
According to the DOE, the 21-year-old woman is a former student at Leilehua High who has 'added challenges.' The other students involved have been expelled from campus for the remainder of the school year while an investigation continues.
Check out more news from around Hawaii
Keola is not being allowed to walk in her Leilehua High School graduation tomorrow, had a message for her victim.
'I'm sorry. I should have let you go. Speak for yourself. But ended up doing what I did and I regret it,' said Keola.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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