The Hawaiian people had done everything in their power not to be annexed by the United States.
Watch Chapter 1 of The Island Murder.
In the waning days of summer 1931, Honolulu's tropical tranquility was shattered when a young Navy wife made a drastic allegation of rape against five nonwhite islanders.
The accused readily admitted they had kidnapped their victim, and shot him in the course of an interrogation.
During the time Thalia claimed the assault had taken place, the young men were involved in a traffic dispute on another street.
Haunani-Kay Trask is a historian, human rights advocate, and professor at the University of Hawaii's Center for Hawaiian Studies.
Jon Osorio, director of the University of Hawaii's Center for Hawaiian Studies, discusses the Massie case.
Nanette Napoleon specializes in the history and cultures of Hawai'i. She sheds light on the history of the Massie case.
Thalia's privileged social status had always afforded her the freedom to get away with mischief.
The prosecutor in the Massic case said Thomas Massie had "lied like a gentleman."
In Fortescue's mind, killing a man to save her daughter's reputation was completely and undeniably justified.
Stirling's racial prejudices coupled with his militaristic view of the American territory of Hawai'i, set the stage for his role in the Massie affair.
