HONOLULU, Hawaii — A Hawaii Instagram model, Theresa “Tita” Cachuela, was tragically shot and killed by her husband, Jason Cachuela, in the parking lot of a mall on December 22, 2024. According to the Honolulu police, the incident occurred in front of one of their children. After the shooting, Jason Cachuela was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The shooting took place at the Pearlridge Center mall in Honolulu. Honolulu police Lt. Deena Thoemmes stated that officers received a call about a “suspicious circumstance” at around 10:15 a.m. Authorities discovered the lifeless body of Theresa Cachuela, 33, with multiple gunshot wounds. Jason Cachuela, 44, was found dead later at a home approximately five miles away, having taken his own life.
Witnesses reported that the parking lot was beginning to fill up with shoppers when the shots rang out. Danny Earles, who was present during the incident, described hearing multiple shots before taking cover. He recounted hearing the sound of 12 bullets and then rushing out of the parking lot.
According to court records, Theresa Cachuela had requested a restraining order against her husband just two days before the shooting. She alleged that he had been constantly harassing her and making suicide threats in front of her and their three children. In her filing for the restraining order, she shared an incident where he had brandished a knife against himself. The court had granted the request and ordered Jason Cachuela to surrender any firearms.
Family members revealed that Theresa and Jason Cachuela were having marital difficulties, and she had recently filed for divorce from him after almost 11 years of marriage. Her mother, Lucita Ani-Nihoa, stated that Jason had been abusive towards Theresa and had attempted to control her every move.
Several friends and family members are mourning the passing of Theresa Cachuela. She was known as Bunny Bontiti on Instagram and had a significant following of approximately 20,000. She worked as a model and sold eyelashes online. Her cousin, Terrell Scott, described her as a devoted mother and business owner who did everything she could to protect her children.
The investigation into the murder-suicide is ongoing. The incident has devastated family and friends during what should have been a joyous holiday season.