A 33-year-old man accused of breaking into his ex-girlfriend's townhouse and stabbing her to death nearly two years ago was found guilty today of second-degree murder and first-degree burglary. Lagmay is found guilty
of killing ex-girlfriendBy Debra Barayuga
dbarayuga@starbulletin.comHenry Lagmay faces life with the possibility of parole when sentenced March 12.
Isabelle Yim-Mortier, 38, an exotic dancer, was stabbed to death in her Waialae townhouse March 12, 2001 while her 8-year-old son slept in the next room.
The defense had argued at Lagmay's jury-waived trial in October that he was suffering from extreme mental and emotional disturbance when he went to her townhouse where she charged at him with two knives.
Defense attorney Myles Breiner had argued Lagmay had gone to the apartment out of concern for the boy whom he believed was being emotionally abused by his mother's refusal to quit abusing drugs and prostituting herself.
Circuit Judge Richard Perkins, in written findings issued today, found that although there was evidence Lagmay was suffering from an extreme mental and emotional disturbance, the explanation was not reasonable, Breiner said. He said they disagree with the court's conclusions and will file an appeal.
Breiner said Lagmay takes responsibility for Yim-Mortier's death and has been punishing himself since her death. He wanted at trial to apologize to the boy and hopes the boy will not blame himself for what happened to his mom, Breiner said.
Deputy Prosecutor Glenn Kim said the boy has since moved to Paris to live with his mother's family but is suffering from psychological problems. "He's a really bright resilient little kid -- hopefully things will work out for him."