In 1959, Eugene Barrett shot his ex-wife, Annie Eva Phillips, after stalking and threatening her for months.

He served just eight years.

In 1971, he killed again—shooting his girlfriend Cecily “Cece” Guerrero in the back after a violent argument.

And again… he got out.

By the 1990s, Barrett was living quietly in Makiki. Smiling at neighbors. Painting flowers. Hiding in plain sight.

He wasn’t supposed to be free.

But Hawaii’s broken system gave him two chances.
And the next time he snapped—there’d be no warning.

This is the true story of Eugene Barrett’s first two murders—and the warning signs Hawaii chose to ignore.

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Sources for this episode include:

• Honolulu Star-Bulletin archives (1959–1995)

• The Honolulu Advertiser editorials on domestic violence legislation

• Hawaii State Judiciary court records and parole transcripts

• Testimony excerpts preserved by DVAC and WomenSpeak Hawaii

• Hawaii Revised Statutes on victim notification and parole reform

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🎧 Follow the podcast on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon.
📺 Subscribe on YouTube.
📸 Follow us on Instagram at @BeneathThePalmsPodcast

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If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence in Hawaii, contact:

• CrimeStoppers Honolulu — 808-955-8300

• HPD Domestic Violence Detail — 808-723-3609

• National Domestic Violence Hotline — 800-799-SAFE

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Darkness may linger beneath the palms, but so does hope.

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