Defendant guilty of murder in death of woman in car trunk

A judge rules that Garreth Graham knowingly caused the woman's death

Garreth Graham during his May 1994 District Court appearance on murder charges.
Photo by Dean Sensui, Star-Bulletin

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By Linda Hosek
Star-Bulletin

Circuit Judge Wendell Huddy ruled that Graham, 34, knowingly caused the death of Ming-Li Chang, 41, by using tape to block her mouth, partially block her nose and constrict her chest and diaphragm.

"Defendant knew that (Chang) would die if she remained in the condition and environment he had put her for a prolonged period," Huddy wrote in his conclusions of fact from the nonjury trial. "He abandoned her in that condition for hours."

A tearful Dr. Ker-Ming Chang said he was "very happy" with the verdict.

"The end result is that he did very terrible things to my wife and family," said Chang, an anesthesiologist. "He deserves the punishment."

Chang, who had employed Graham, a carpenter, to remodel his house, said he didn't think he could forgive Graham and said he would like to see him in prison for the rest of his life.

Deputy Prosecutor Maurice Arrisgado said Graham could get extended terms when sentenced, which could add up to two life terms plus 20 years.

Huddy, who also convicted Graham of kidnapping and first-degree attempted extortion, set sentencing for Dec. 13.

Earle Partington, Graham's attorney, said Graham was still overwhelmed by guilt, but said nothing after the verdict.

The defense had sought manslaughter. Partington said he was confident the ruling would be overturned on appeal. He said Huddy's finding that Graham was indifferent to human life didn't meet the murder standard, which requires the prosecution to prove intent to kill.

Partington said Graham was high on cocaine when he kidnapped Chang and didn't think about what would happen if he left her.