Man faces 20-year term in fatal fight over noise

A former Pearl Harbor petty officer pleaded guilty to recklessly causing the death of his 46-year-old neighbor, apparently in a dispute over loud noise.

Kendall Edmonds, 24, who was facing trial next month for second-degree murder in the Aug. 9, 2004, incident, entered his plea yesterday to the reduced charge before Circuit Judge Karl Sakamoto.

Deputy Prosecutor Albert Cook said they agreed to allow Edmonds to plead to the lesser charge based on the facts of the case. "Even though he caused a death, the facts supported reckless versus an intentional" state of mind, Cook said.

The victim, Michael Gillum, apparently had banged on the adjoining bedroom wall separating their Ocean Tower apartments at Century Park Plaza in Pearl City because of TV and other noises emanating from Edmonds' apartment around 2:30 a.m.

When the noise continued and appeared to get louder, Gillum apparently went out to confront Edmonds.

Edmonds told police Gillum swung at him in the hallway, so he ducked. But Edmonds struck back, sending Gillum to the ground, where he might have struck his head.

When Gillum was on the ground, Edmonds hit him with his fist four or five times. Gillum's daughter heard the fight and called 911. An autopsy determined Gillum died from bleeding in the brain as a result of trauma.

Edmonds was honorably discharged from the Navy around the time of the incident because his term had expired and he did not re-enlist.

He faces 20 years' imprisonment at his March 7 sentencing. Had he been convicted of second-degree murder, he would have faced life imprisonment with parole.

He remains free under $25,000 bail. The court granted his request to return home to Bessamer, Ala., while awaiting sentencing on condition that he work with Adult Client Services so that a pre-sentence report can be completed.

Edmonds and his attorney, Deputy Public Defender William Bento, declined to comment. Cook said he expects to seek the 20-year term at sentencing.