Murder case slowed by conflicting stories
Witnesses contradict each other or cannot be found after a car is forced off the road
KEALAKEKUA, Hawaii » A preliminary hearing for murder suspect Vernon Costa continued in Kona District Court yesterday, with Costa's ex-girlfriend giving testimony that contradicted other witnesses.
Costa, 41, faces murder and other charges linked to a high-speed car chase in which he allegedly forced a car carrying his ex-girlfriend, Janelle Nardin, and two other women to crash July 15.
Nardin, 20, was a passenger wearing a seat belt and survived the crash. Driver Pua Lei Santa Isabel and passenger Casey Ann Swain, who were not wearing seat belts, died.
Costa is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.
Yesterday was the fourth time the ongoing hearing was convened to see whether there was enough evidence to try Costa.
Moki Makaio, Swain's boyfriend, testified that he had learned after the crash that Costa had forced Weston Lindsey to loan him the car used in the chase. Nardin testified yesterday that Makaio was not told that by Lindsey.
Konrad Ross, another member of the group, testified that Nardin had called him many times after the crash, but Nardin testified that she didn't know Ross.
Defense attorney Robert Kim has questioned Nardin's truthfulness.
Several witnesses could pose problems for the prosecution. In a previous session, Nardin was brought in handcuffs because of an unrelated crime.
Ross testified yesterday in handcuffs and prison clothing, also because of an unrelated crime.
Sheriffs have been unable to locate Lindsey despite an order for his arrest issued months ago.
Another witness, lawyer Sidney Quintal, hasn't been found. Judge Joseph Florendo yesterday issued an order for him to come to the next session of the hearing on Jan. 25.
Such a drawn-out preliminary hearing is unusual.
The evidence against Costa includes the tape in which a terrified Nardin made a cell phone call to 911 from the women's car moments before it crashed, saying Costa was ramming them repeatedly.
