Sometimes, the prosecution, in Hawaii Courts, is out for blood. Such is the case for Melchor Adviento as told by the Honolulu Advertiser in, “Conflicting versions of woman’s death told as murder trial opens.”
It’s not bad enough that someone has died because of a domestic violence conflict, the prosecuting attorney’s office, because of the engendered politics of domestic violence, has to prosecute an abused husband.
As the story unfolds, we learn that Erlinda Adviento stabbed her husband six times in the stomach during some type of agitated domestic conflict. During the ensuing madness, Melchor wrestles the knives from his would be murderer and stabs her 16 times.
Prosecutor Douglas Chin comments, “There is no reasonable explanation that justifies this horrible, atrocious act.”
I don’t normally use profanity, but I’ll say it: Bullshit!
What convinces me about Melchor’s story is what his lawyer said; “”He thought he was going to die,” said Burge.” Then, “Before police arrived at the couple’s Kahaha Street home, Adviento slashed his own wrists in an attempted suicide, the defense attorney told the jury.”
From comments posted on the article, we learn that Melchor had three prior felony firearm convictions; prior conviction for 2nd degree reckless endangering; prior conviction for assault; and prior conviction for DUI. We can agree that the man lived a less than stellar life, and that Erlinda chose to spend her life with him while her ex-husband was in the slammer.
People commented that 16 stab wounds is excessive and proof that he’s guilty of murder. Wait… You mean six stab wounds to the Melchor’s gut is not proof that she wanted him dead?
I’ve been stabbed by my ex. The threshold is where the stabbing starts to hurt you back. After the anger and madness are gone, they stop stabbing. For me, it was as simple as looking at my ex-wife and saying calmly, “You just stabbed me with a pencil. It’s stuck in my arm. Help.” Sixteen years later, the lead is still in my arm.
Wilsgun comments, “I wouldn’t be surprised if she fought with him. I’m really sadden for the family’s loss for both their father (behind bars) and mother. I hope their kids are well taken care of.”
And now we get to the core of the story: Domestic Violence Destroys Families.
Churchmister writes, “Folks in Kalihi carry knives like Haole’s in Kailua carry Jamba juice cards.” (Ouch!)
But; Jamba Juice cards don’t take away loved ones from your family.
Once the stabber stops stabbing, there is no help in the world. Melchor’s survival instinct made him survive, but when he realized he was alive and she was not, that is not what he wanted. Why do you think Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet? It wasn’t a story for smitten teenagers. If Melchor never read it, he was determined to live it.
I hope Melchor gets back with his kids as soon as this trial is over. I hope they can start to heal. I hope they learn to teach that Domestic Violence destroys families.
I hope his kids learn to reach out to people who can help.
Maybe these state prosecutors will even learn when to treat the family instead of convicting the victim.
To learn more about relationships like Erlinda and Melchor’s, domestic violence in Hawaii, and Family Education visit my web site at www.LiveBeatDad.com