Before he became the focus of one of Hawaii’s most high-profile murder cases, Eric Thompson lived a relatively private life as a contractor in East Honolulu. Married to his high school sweetheart Joyce Thompson, the couple appeared outwardly stable. They shared a home, a child, and a history spanning decades. Those who knew Eric described him as quiet, structured, and committed to his work and family. But beneath the surface, events were unfolding that would alter the course of his life and devastate two families.
In 2021, Thompson discovered that his wife had been involved in a brief extramarital affair with Jon Tokuhara, a well-known and respected acupuncturist in Waipahu. Though the affair had ended months earlier, it became the spark for a calculated act of revenge. Prosecutors would later argue that Thompson was deeply affected by what he saw as a betrayal, and instead of moving on, he fixated on reclaiming control and punishing the man who he believed had intruded into his marriage.
- “The Bucket Hat Mystery”: Dateline Reports on Jon Tokuhara Homicide October 3 2025
- What Happened to Jon Tokuhara? 2025 Update & Background
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The Crime and Arrest
On January 13, 2022, Jon Tokuhara was found shot to death inside his clinic by his mother. He had been shot four times in the face. The brutality of the crime shocked the Oahu community and set off a homicide investigation that quickly zeroed in on a potential suspect: Eric Thompson.
Investigators used surveillance footage and forensic evidence to piece together what happened. A man in dark clothing and a bucket hat was seen entering and exiting Tokuhara’s clinic. As the man fled the scene, he dropped his hat—an item that would prove to be the key to solving the case. Forensic testing later identified DNA on the hat that matched Thompson. Surveillance footage also showed a vehicle matching his truck near the clinic during the time of the murder.
Thompson was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He pleaded not guilty and was initially released on bail under strict home confinement while awaiting trial.
The Trials and Sentencing
Thompson’s first trial in 2023 ended in a mistrial after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict. A second trial took place in early 2025, with prosecutors presenting a more robust case that included newly analyzed DNA evidence from the bucket hat and surveillance tracking of Thompson’s movements on the night of the murder.
The prosecution painted a picture of a man consumed by a desire to regain control and punish the man who had upended his personal life. They emphasized the months of planning that culminated in the murder. The defense countered by insisting that Thompson had moved on from the affair and had an alibi for the night in question, suggesting the evidence was circumstantial and other individuals could have had a motive.
On February 27, 2025, a jury found Eric Thompson guilty of second-degree murder and the firearms charge. At sentencing in June, Judge Paul Wong imposed a life sentence with the possibility of parole, including a mandatory minimum of 15 years due to the use of a firearm. Thompson also received an additional 20-year term for the weapons charge, to be served concurrently.
Where He Is Now
Eric Thompson is currently in the custody of the Hawaii Department of Corrections. He is serving his sentence at a state correctional facility and will not be eligible for parole until he has served the minimum 15 years required by law. His behavior in custody and decisions made by the Hawaii Paroling Authority will ultimately determine if and when he will be granted parole after that period.
Despite the verdict, Thompson has maintained his innocence. His legal team has initiated the appeal process, arguing that significant errors occurred during the trial and that viable grounds for appeal exist. His attorneys have not disclosed specifics but confirmed that the case will be reviewed by a higher court. Meanwhile, a wrongful death civil lawsuit filed by Jon Tokuhara’s mother against both Eric Thompson and his wife is also pending.
A Divided Legacy
Eric Thompson’s case has left a deep impact on both his own family and the Tokuhara family. While Joyce Thompson publicly supported her husband throughout the trial, sitting behind him in court every day, she also acknowledged the affair with Tokuhara. The community watched closely as details emerged, drawing a stark line between a man many viewed as an aggrieved husband and a calculated killer.
The case has sparked broader conversations in Hawaii about domestic violence, emotional control, and the consequences of private decisions turned public. For now, Eric Thompson remains behind bars, his future uncertain as the appeals process moves forward. What is certain is that his actions on that January night have irreversibly altered the lives of everyone involved.
More “The Bucket Hat Mystery”
- “The Bucket Hat Mystery”: Dateline Reports on Jon Tokuhara Homicide October 3 2025
- Where is Eric Thompson Now? 2025 Update & Background
- What Happened to Jon Tokuhara? 2025 Update & Background‘