Suspect involved in 2022 Pearl City murder, arson sentenced to life in prison

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The suspect involved in a 2022 Pearl City murder and arson case was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole on July 18.

In 2022, now 34-year-old Scott DeAngelo was arrested in suspicion of killing 33-year-old Desmond Cox before setting his Pearl City apartment on fire.

Officials said the two were heard arguing from a fourth-floor apartment when DeAngelo got upset with Cox after he was asked to move out.

Witnesses said they then saw DeAngelo jump from the window of the burning unit.

He was arrested the next day in Hauula “with a gun, ammunition, a lighter, and Cox’s credit card in his possession.”

Nearly two years later, DeAngelo was found guilty by a Circuit Court jury for Murder in the Second Degree and Arson in the First Degree.

On Thursday, Cox’s mother, Quameca Scott, was present in court expressing her sadness that her “son’s name is attached to the young man that took his life.”

“As a mother, no one could ever know that losing a child is something you will never get over,” Scott said.

I know that they are grieving and will forever deal with the loss of a loved one. It is my hope that they may find peace and healing in the future and I wish them all the best.

Scott DeAngelo, Defendant

DeAngelo told the court he plans to appeal.