On November 2, 1999, a tragic event unfolded in Honolulu, Hawaii, that shook the community and left a lasting impact on the city. This event, known as the Xerox murders, involved a disgruntled employee who went on a shooting spree at his workplace, resulting in the deaths of seven people. The shooter, Byran Uyesugi, was an employee of Xerox Corporation, and his actions on that fateful day became one of the deadliest mass shootings in Hawaii’s history.
The Incident
The Shooter: Byran Uyesugi
Byran Uyesugi, a 40-year-old service technician, had worked for Xerox for over 15 years. Known for his reclusive nature and erratic behavior, Uyesugi had a history of conflicts with his colleagues and superiors. His co-workers had noted his increasing paranoia and propensity for violent outbursts, which ultimately culminated in the tragic events of November 2, 1999.
The Day of the Shooting
On the morning of November 2, Uyesugi arrived at the Xerox building located at 1200 N. Nimitz Highway in Honolulu. Armed with a Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol, he entered the second floor of the building where his colleagues were gathered for a meeting. Without warning, Uyesugi opened fire, systematically targeting his co-workers. Within minutes, he had killed seven people and injured an eighth person.
The Victims
The victims of the Xerox murders were:
- Jason Balatico, 33
- Ford Kanehiro, 41
- Ronald Kataoka, 50
- Melvin Lee, 58
- John Sakamoto, 36
- Peter Mark, 46
- Vernon Shigeta, 52
These men were all co-workers of Uyesugi and had been in the meeting room when the shooting began. Their deaths left a deep scar on the community and highlighted the tragic consequences of workplace violence.
The Aftermath
After the shooting, Uyesugi fled the scene in a company van, leading police on a citywide manhunt. He was eventually cornered near the Hawaii Nature Center in Makiki Heights. Following a tense five-hour standoff, Uyesugi surrendered to the authorities without further incident.
The Trial
Byran Uyesugi was charged with seven counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. During the trial, his defense team argued that he was not guilty by reason of insanity, citing his history of mental illness and paranoid delusions. However, the prosecution successfully argued that Uyesugi was fully aware of his actions and had planned the attack in advance.
In June 2000, Uyesugi was found guilty on all counts and was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. His conviction brought some measure of closure to the families of the victims and the Honolulu community.
Impact and Legacy
The Xerox murders had a profound impact on the way workplace violence is addressed in Hawaii and across the United States. The tragedy underscored the importance of recognizing warning signs of violent behavior and implementing measures to ensure workplace safety. In the aftermath of the shooting, Xerox and other companies nationwide reviewed their policies and procedures to better protect employees and prevent similar incidents.
The event also sparked discussions about mental health and the need for better support and resources for individuals struggling with mental illness. The loss of seven lives on that day serves as a somber reminder of the devastating effects of untreated mental health issues and unchecked workplace aggression.
The 1999 Honolulu shootings, also known as the Xerox murders, remain one of the most tragic events in Hawaii’s history. The senseless loss of life and the impact on the community continue to be felt to this day. By remembering this tragedy, we honor the victims and strive to create safer, more supportive environments for everyone.