In a decision that has sparked outrage and disappointment, Henrietta H. Stone, 67, of Hilo, was sentenced to probation in connection with the 2016 death of her 9-year-old granddaughter. The ruling came despite prosecutors’ arguments for the maximum prison sentence, along with letters from the child’s teachers and emergency medical responders, and a pre-sentence investigation report recommending the same.
Hilo Circuit Court Judge Henry Nakamoto ordered Stone to a ten-year probation term, crediting her for jail time already served between 2017 and 2024, and prohibiting any further incarceration. Stone had custody of her granddaughter at the time of her death, which was attributed to malnutrition, with contributory causes including acute pneumonia and a severe kidney infection.
At the time of her death, the child weighed a mere 45 pounds and stood 53 inches (4.4 Feet) tall. Stone entered a “No Contest” plea to the charge of Manslaughter on February 6, 2024, after being held on $100,000 bail. While she requested supervised release, prosecutors objected. She was ultimately released on July 24, 2024, after posting $100,000 cash bail.
The case has drawn considerable attention due to the tragic circumstances and the light sentence. Manslaughter carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison or 10 years probation and up to two years in jail, but in this case, the Judge imposed probation. Stone is the last of three individuals to be sentenced in connection to the death of her granddaughter.
The child’s parents, Tiffany Stone and Kevin Lehano, were previously convicted of Manslaughter and each sentenced to ten years probation and two years in jail.
Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen expressed deep frustration with the outcome. “There aren’t words to describe my disappointment and frustration in the outcome of this case. Shaelynn and our community deserved much better. Her death was caused by the three people who she should have been able to trust the most,” Waltjen stated. “We will not let this result discourage our ongoing efforts to protect our keiki.”
The investigation was led by Major Scott Amaral, formerly with the Area I Juvenile Aid Section of the Hawai‘i Police Department, and prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Hashizaki. Anyone with information that could assist law enforcement is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
