On August 6, 2026, Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 8 uniformed patrol officers responded to a runaway investigation involving a 13-year-old boy at a residence on St. John’s Road in Wai‘anae.

The investigation revealed allegations that the child had been subjected to an ongoing pattern of physical abuse, neglect, food deprivation and confinement by his mother, 35-year-old Jasmine Quiroz-Pele, and his 36-year-old stepfather, James Heffernan.

The victim reported that this abuse had been occurring for an extended period of time and described several serious incidents.

In April 2024, it was reported that Quiroz-Pele forced the victim to hold a medicine ball while spraying water from a hose into his face, causing him difficulty seeing and breathing.

In January 2026, the victim reported that his mother held a knife to his throat and told him, “Convince me why I shouldn’t kill you.”

In February 2026, the victim reported that his mother became angry with him and stabbed him in the left thigh with a paring knife, causing bleeding, pain and scars. He further reported that she struck him multiple times and shoved him against a wall.

He reported that his mother antagonized the family dogs and caused them to attack him. He sustained multiple dog bites to his leg, resulting in bleeding and injuries.

Recently, in July 2026, the victim reported that his mother restrained his wrists to a chair inside his bedroom using zip ties and left him restrained for hours.

He was routinely locked inside his bedroom at night and was not permitted to leave until the following morning. He stated that he was not allowed to use the bathroom inside the residence and was forced to urinate from his bedroom window and defecate outside in the backyard.

He reported that although adequate food was available inside the residence, he was not permitted to eat it. At the time he ran away, he stated that he had not eaten for approximately three days and had been wearing the same underwear for approximately one month.

The investigation also revealed allegations involving the victim’s stepfather, Heffernan.

On August 5, 2026, the victim reported that Heffernan punched him multiple times in the forehead and threw him against a wall, causing pain and bruising to his hip.

The victim described both his mother and stepfather as participating in his physical punishment and restricting his access to food.

He described an incident in which his five-year-old sister attempted to provide him with food. Heffernan became upset, accused him of stealing the food, and punished him despite the victim explaining that he had taken the food because he was hungry and needed to eat.

After enduring what he described as repeated physical abuse, food deprivation, and confinement, the victim decided to run away from the residence. He hid underneath a neighbor’s home and waited for the neighbor to return. The neighbor subsequently contacted police.

During the investigation, officers observed injuries and scarring on the victim that were consistent with the statements provided.

On August 7, 2026, at approximately 1:50 a.m., District 8 patrol officers arrested both Quiroz-Pele and Heffernan.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division, Strategic Enforcement Detail were assigned to further investigate. A search warrant was obtained and executed at the residence. Evidence was recovered that supported allegations made by the victim.

Today, August 8, 2026, this case was conferred with the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney. Jasmine Quiroz-Pele was charged with the offense of Torture and Kidnapping. James Heffernan was charged with Accomplice to Commit Torture and Kidnapping.

Bail was set for Quiroz-Pele at $400,000 and for Heffernan at $200,000.

There were three children residing in the home, including the 13-year-old victim and his two younger siblings. All three children remain in the custody of Child Welfare Services.

This is an extremely serious case involving allegations of prolonged and repeated abuse of a child. The Honolulu Police Department recognizes the courage of this young victim, who made the decision to leave the residence, seek safety, and disclose what had been happening to him.

HPD would also like to recognize the members of the community who contacted police and took immediate action to ensure the safety of the victim and the other children in the residence.

Detectives of the Strategic Enforcement Detail led this investigation and worked alongside the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Domestic Violence Division, which were instrumental during the investigative process to charge both suspects.

A press conference about this case was held today at 8 p.m. and can be viewed at this link.