LIHUE, Kauai — At an hour-long preliminary hearing in Circuit Court today, Judge Trudy Senda found probable cause that Joseph Hoapili Sr. killed his wife, Fredlynn, on March 3.

John Hoapili, the 33-year-old son of the Hoapili's, testified in court that he saw his father stab his mother about seven times while he watched. He said he begged his father to stop.

John Hoapili wept on the witness stand as prosecutors played the 911 call he made for assistance for his mother.

Joseph Hoapili, 50, looked down at the table in front of him and showed no outward emotion. He is charged with second-degree murder.

The case continues March 19.