Baby’s dad sentenced
to life term

The child suffered permanent injuries

By Susan Kreifels
Star-Bulletin

Gordon Lee Aplaca, 28, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 15 years today for trying to kill his 9-1/2-week-old daughter.

Aplaca's daughter, Katiana-Marie, suffered three skull fractures, a brain hemorrhage and broken ribs in what doctors diagnosed as "shaken-impact syndrome."

Aplaca was found guilty of second-degree attempted murder, which carries a sentence of life in prison with parole.

Deputy Prosecutor Dan Oyasato asked for the minimum of 15 years, based on a state law that allows for the minimum in cases involving children, the elderly and the handicapped.

The parole board also will set a minimum term for Aplaca.

Oyasato said Katiana-Marie was placed in a foster home after she was injured. She has recovered somewhat, but will never talk, walk.

Mark Worsham, defense attorney for the Waialua man, asked Circuit Judge Richard Perkins to change the guilty verdict to acquittal or rule for a new trial based on insufficient evidence. Perkins said the evidence was sufficient.

Aplaca testified that he didn't hurt his daughter in the early morning hours of June 18, 1997, when he was taking care of her.