Police say suspect was
drunk in co-worker’s
fatal shooting
A Kahuku man who police say admitted to shooting his co-worker earlier this week was drunk at the time, according to Honolulu police.
Police charged Colonel Robert Taylor, 53, with second-degree murder yesterday in the killing of Jesus Camacho, 52.
Police said Taylor's blood alcohol level when he was arrested was 0.13 percent, while the legal blood alcohol level for driving is 0.08 percent.
Police said both men were at their workplace at the Sky Ranch, 56-350 Kamehameha Highway, when the shooting took place at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. According to a police affidavit, Taylor took Camacho to Kahuku Hospital after he was shot and told police, "I shot my friend," when officers arrived on scene.
Taylor allegedly told police that he accidentally shot Camacho in the chest while he was showing the victim how to load a gun. Police found a .38-caliber revolver they believe was used in the shooting in a vehicle parked outside the hospital with one spent shell casing still inside the gun, according to the affidavit.
Although police said Camacho was conscious and able to speak when he was taken to the hospital, he died of his injuries at 2:35 p.m.
Police also seized and destroyed an estimated 700 marijuana plants that were discovered near a shed where the shooting occurred. Sources close to the investigation said Taylor has prior mainland convictions for sexual assault and other offenses.
Police also charged Taylor with several weapons offenses including being a felon in possession of a firearm as well as commercial marijuana growing. He is being held in lieu of $400,000 bail.