Patrick Lii

In the quiet, pre-dawn hours of a Sunday morning in Honolulu, Patrick Lii was riding his bicycle through the Liliha neighborhood. A 46-year-old native Hawaiian man, Patrick was a father of three who was remembered for his deep love for his children, especially his daughters. Known to some by the nickname "Ricky boy," he was a local man who had attended Kalihi Waena Elementary School and later Farrington High School. He made his living as a construction laborer and, like many who call the island home, he loved spending time at the beach. Those who knew him recalled a man who adored kids and was taken from his family far too soon.

The tragic event that cut his life short unfolded on April 10, 2016. At approximately 3:45 a.m., Patrick was cycling northbound on Liliha Street, a major thoroughfare running through a dense residential and commercial area just north of downtown Honolulu. As he rode, a dark-colored sedan approached him. Without warning, someone inside the vehicle opened fire, striking Patrick with a single gunshot to the chest. The car sped away from the scene, leaving him critically injured on the pavement. Paramedics responded quickly to the scene and transported him to a nearby hospital. Despite the urgent medical attention, the wound was too severe, and Patrick Lii succumbed to his injury and died.

The Honolulu Police Department launched a homicide investigation into what they determined was a drive-by shooting. The case was immediately publicized by CrimeStoppers Honolulu, which issued a news release seeking the public’s assistance in locating suspects or witnesses. Investigators had very little to go on beyond the sparse description of a dark-colored sedan. They urged anyone who was in the area of Liliha Street around the time of the shooting, or anyone who might have information about the vehicle and its occupants, to come forward. The motive for the attack was not publicly released, leaving it unclear whether Patrick was specifically targeted or if he was the victim of a random, senseless act of violence.

In the days following the shooting, police continued their appeal for information. They emphasized that even a small, seemingly insignificant detail could be the key to breaking the case open. The community was left shaken by the brutal and public nature of the killing, which occurred on a street familiar to thousands of residents. Despite the public pleas for help, the investigation stalled. No suspects were ever publicly identified, and no arrests were made in connection with Patrick's murder. The case gradually grew cold, leaving his family and friends without the closure of justice.

Years have passed, but the questions surrounding Patrick’s death remain unanswered. The identity of the person or people inside the dark sedan that morning is still a mystery, a painful and unresolved reality for those who loved him. His case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence, which can shatter a family and a community in an instant. Online memorial pages honor his memory, with friends and strangers lighting virtual candles for him. One tribute simply reads, "Gone but never forgotten."

The investigation into the murder of Patrick Lii remains open but inactive. His case is listed among the unsolved homicides on the CrimeStoppers Honolulu website, a silent testament to a life cut short and a crime yet to be punished. Investigators still hope that someone will eventually come forward with the crucial piece of information that will lead to an arrest and finally bring justice to Patrick's family. A cash reward of up to $1,000 is available for any tip that leads to the identification of a suspect or an arrest in the case. The Honolulu Police Department and CrimeStoppers urge anyone with information about the shooting of Patrick Lii to call 808-955-8300. Tipsters can remain anonymous.