He Helped Them Get Pregnant, Then Became Her Lover

In the annals of real crime stories to read online, few are as startling and tragic as the case of John Toku-hara. This isn’t just another real crime story to read—it’s a chilling tale of love, betrayal, and cold-blooded murder set against the serene backdrop of Wahu, Hawaii.

A Shocking Discovery in Paradise

On the morning of January 13, 2022, the peaceful rhythm of the Wahu community was shattered. Inside a local acupuncture clinic, 47-year-old John Toku-hara was found dead, lying in a pool of blood. His mother, Lily Toku-hara, had discovered him after noticing the back door was unlocked. He had been shot four times in the head.

This was no robbery. With $4,000 in cash untouched nearby, police quickly realized they were dealing with a famous criminal case in the making—one that would soon resemble the kind of twists seen in true crime documentaries on Netflix.

48 Seconds of Mystery

Surveillance footage from the clinic showed a mysterious figure clad in a bucket hat, sunglasses, and scarves enter the clinic—and exit just 48 seconds later. That same evening, a white four-door Silverado truck was seen leaving the scene. Investigators traced the vehicle to Eric Thompson, a former patient of John’s. But what seemed like a straightforward lead only deepened the mystery.

The Love Triangle That Turned Deadly

Soon, detectives uncovered a passionate affair between John and Joyce Thompson—Eric’s wife. This was no casual fling. Their relationship was filled with intimate messages and emotional dependence. What’s more, John had been a trusted confidant to the couple during their fertility journey. That intimacy made the betrayal all the more personal.

For those who devour best real crime stories or true crime cases to research, this was a case with all the hallmarks: love, jealousy, betrayal, and murder.

DNA, Burned Evidence, and Suspicion

Neighbors recalled seeing Eric burning items in his backyard the night of the murder. DNA evidence from a bucket hat left at the scene matched Eric. Ballistics showed the bullets were .22 caliber—the same as two rifles registered in Eric’s name. On February 14, 2022, Eric was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

Still, he claimed innocence. He denied being the man in the footage and said he harbored no ill will toward John.

The Trial That Captivated a Community

The courtroom became a battleground of narratives. Prosecutors presented a man pushed to the edge by betrayal. The defense countered with stories of John’s other affairs, introducing doubt about Eric’s motive. Timeline inconsistencies raised more questions than answers.

After three days of deliberation, the jury was hopelessly deadlocked. Nine jurors voted to convict; three held out for acquittal. The judge declared a mistrial—transforming this already complex case into one that could rival YouTube real crime stories full episodes in terms of drama and disbelief.

Where Justice Stands

A retrial was scheduled for October 2023, but delays have left the case in limbo. The Wahu community waits, holding onto fragments of justice and wondering if closure will ever come.

In an era where true crime documentaries on Netflix and YouTube real crime stories draw millions, the murder of John Toku-hara reminds us that behind every statistic is a real person, a real tragedy, and real consequences.