Graffiti connected to murder case still visible

KAILUA-KONA — Graffiti of what police say explains a murder is still covering part of a West Hawaii street.

The image allegedly was painted by Gafatasi Jorden Kaipo Napoleon, who is accused of fatally shooting Alanaokala Solomon Covington on Oct. 14.

Napoleon is charged with second-degree murder, unlawful control of a propelled vehicle, third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and fourth-degree property damage.

The image shows a man who appears to be a shackled prisoner with one foot on top of a skull, on which the word “RAPIST” is written in red letters.

According to testimony during a preliminary hearing Wednesday, Napoleon killed Covington as vigilante revenge because Covington allegedly sexually assaulted several women.

The roughly 30-by-12-foot color image is on a section of Hane Street. It was reported incorrectly in the Oct. 27 edition of West Hawaii Today that the image was no longer in the O‘oma Plantation subdivision in Kailua-Kona.

“Sometimes a man has to take action to protect the ones who can’t protect themselves,” text on the prisoner’s chest reads.

Napoleon was arrested at the scene of the graffiti and had orange and black paint on his right hand.

His arraignment and plea hearing in connection with the murder and other charges is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.