KAILUA-KONA — An Alaska community is coming together to help a mother bring her daughter’s body home for a funeral after she was killed a week ago in Ka‘u.
“She’s like, the nicest person in the whole world,” said Karen Boyles of her daughter Marie Lyn Boyles.
On Friday, Karen Boyles was still in shock over the reported murder of her daughter, who was found stabbed to death a week ago.
Kaleianuenue Borero-Kaluna, 19, of Naalehu, was charged with Marie Lyn Boyles’ death as well as the attempted murder of a 36-year-old man who was with her during the reported attack at Whittington Beach Park.
Marie Lyn Boyles leaves behind four children.
“They took it a little better than I did,” Karen Boyles recalled when she got the news of her daughter’s slaying.
Marie Lyn Boyles, 35, was found in the Naalehu park on April 26. Hawaii Police had been called to the scene on a reported stabbing. When they arrived they found a 36-year-old man and Marie Boyles with multiple stab wounds.
According to the probable cause statement, the man suffered injuries to his shoulder, right rib/torso area and his right hip area. Next to him Marie Boyles was on her left side and “observed to be laying in a large pool of blood.”
The woman died at the scene. The man was taken to Hilo Medical Center in serious condition. As of Monday, the victim was stable and continues to be treated for his injuries at the hospital.
Originally from Fairbanks, Alaska, Karen Boyles said her daughter was visiting Hawaii for the first time and had been on the island for two months.
“Ever since her dad passed away, we’ve all been living a rough life,” Karen Boyles said. “It was a good break for her.”
Karen Boyles said she would talk to Marie Lyn Boyles every day, adding her daughter would send her pictures of what she was doing and the scenery of the Big Island.
Since Marie Lyn Boyles’ death, a GoFundMe account “Bring Marie Boyles Home” was set up in an effort to help Karen Boyles come to Hawaii Island to take her daughter back to Alaska. Big Island community Facebook posts have shown an interest in helping the mother do what needs to be done so she can be reunited with Marie Boyles.
Karen Boyles has been overwhelmed by the support she’s received from Alaskans and the residents of the Big Island.
“You guys are all so nice,” she said. “I can’t believe it.”
Karen Boyles said people are also donating Alaska Airline miles so she can fly out to Hawaii to bring her daughter back to Alaska.
If she had a message for those helping her in her time of need, she said, it would be that she loves them.
“And thank them for helping my baby,” Karen Boyles said. “She was my princess. I want to make sure she’s buried right.”
As of Friday, $665 has been raised. The goal is $5,000. Click here to visit the Go Fund Me account.