Executive Summary
- Clarence Luke has been arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder in the death of 55-year-old Jonnaven Monalim.
- The victim, Monalim, was a former FBI informant who testified in a high-profile organized crime and murder trial in 2009.
- Monalim’s body was discovered in Waipio, Hawaii, two days after he was reported missing by his family.
- Bail for the suspect has been set at $1 million, and the case is now with prosecutors for review and formal charges.
Honolulu police have arrested a suspect in the death of Jonnaven Monalim, a 55-year-old former government informant whose body was discovered last week in Waipio. Detectives arrested Clarence Luke, the suspect, on Wednesday morning in Waipahu on suspicion of second-degree murder.
According to the Honolulu Police Department, an arrest warrant for Luke was issued on Tuesday with bail set at $1 million. The department’s Strategic Enforcement Detail, assisted by District 3’s Crime Reduction Unit, took him into custody around 8 a.m. The case is now under review by the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, and formal charges are pending.
Monalim’s body was found on Friday, two days after his family had reported him missing from his Kapolei home. The Medical Examiner’s Office is working to determine the official cause and manner of death.
Monalim was a key figure in a major federal case involving organized crime on Oahu. He served as a government informant and testified in 2009 against his cousins, who were ultimately convicted of murder and racketeering in connection with a 2004 double homicide at the Pali Golf Course. Monalim’s cooperation with the FBI began after a raid on his home in 2004, and he recorded conversations that were used as key evidence during the trial. Records also indicate Monalim had a criminal history, including convictions for assault and burglary.
Authorities have not released a potential motive for the killing. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Officials are asking anyone with information regarding the case to contact Honolulu CrimeStoppers.