Hawaii Mother and Girlfriend Arrested for Brutal Abuse: 3-Year-Old Starved to Death, Siblings Survive

Two women from Honolulu face serious charges in a tragic case involving the abuse and death of a 3-year-old girl, while her siblings also suffered similar mistreatment.

Honolulu, HI

A profoundly distressing case has shocked the community in Honolulu, as a mother and her girlfriend are now behind bars for allegedly subjecting their 3-year-old daughter to a horrific regime of abuse. Authorities allege that the duo used belts, paddles, sticks, and slippers to repeatedly strike the toddler, while deliberately limiting her water intake to just 8 ounces per day. The abuse extended to her three siblings, aged between 2 and 6, who, though injured, managed to survive the ordeal.

At a press conference last Thursday, Honolulu Police Department Lt. Deena Thoemmes described the grim discovery. "First responders found Sarai malnourished and pulseless, with ashen skin and extensive bruising on her legs, hips, arms, face, back, and head," Lt. Thoemmes said. The victim, identified as Sarai Perez-Rivera, tragically died in June 2024 from a combination of dehydration and starvation.

Investigators determined that Janae Perez and Ashley Utley, the mother and her girlfriend, had systematically restricted the food and water available to Sarai and her siblings. A former resident of their home revealed that the couple frequently assaulted the children—primarily using their hands, but also resorting to sticks, paddles, slippers, and belts. Disturbing video footage captured Sarai in acute distress as she pleaded for water and relief, only to be met with harsh, shouted insults from Perez.

Court documents further allege that on one occasion, the pair attacked a 6-year-old child with a stick and a screwdriver after he tried to flee. Neighbors recalled hearing the heart-wrenching sounds of children crying repeatedly, some too young to understand what was happening.

In a shocking turn, Perez and Utley initially attempted to shift blame onto a 5-year-old child living in the home for Sarai's death—a claim that was quickly disproven during the investigation. A 6-year-old witness described how his sister made "weird” noises on the day she died, sounds that he likened to someone in unbearable suffering.

Officials have since ruled Sarai's death a homicide. Last week, local prosecutors charged both Perez and Utley with second-degree murder, along with additional charges related to the abuse and neglect. The surviving children have been placed in protective custody as authorities continue to piece together the full extent of the abuse.

A saddened neighbor summed up the community's sentiment: "Just pure sadness. I hope Sarai gets the justice she deserves and that the other children are cared for now."

Authorities remain actively engaged in the investigation and urge anyone with further information to come forward.