The Latest: Public safety won’t speculate on murder case

HONOLULU – The Latest on a Hawaii deputy sheriff-involved fatal shooting (all times local):

3:30 p.m.

The Hawaii Department of Public Safety says it would be inappropriate to comment on a deputy-involved fatal shooting being re-classified as second-degree murder.

The department said in a statement Monday it would also be inappropriate to speculate on the findings of the Honolulu Police Department’s investigation.

Honolulu police spokeswoman Michelle Yu says the February shooting is classified as second-degree murder. It was originally classified as an unattended death.

An autopsy report says 28-year-old Delmar Espejo died of a gunshot wound to the back.

After the shooting, state Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda said the deputy fired his weapon while the two were in a close-contact scuffle. Espinda said the man was shot in the upper torso and taken to a hospital, where he died.

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12:30 p.m.

The Hawaii deputy sheriff who shot and killed a man at the state capitol is now being investigated for murder.

Honolulu police spokeswoman Michelle Yu says the February shooting is classified as second-degree murder. It was originally classified as an unattended death.

An autopsy report says 28-year-old Delmar Espejo died of a gunshot wound to the back.

After the shooting, state Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda said the deputy fired his weapon while the two were in a close-contact scuffle. Espinda said the man was shot in the upper torso and taken to a hospital, where he died.

A public safety spokeswoman didn’t immediately respond to an email Monday seeking comment on the re-classification.

Brooks Baehr, spokesman for the Honolulu prosecuting attorney’s office, says prosecutors are reviewing the case.