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Suspect to
stand trial in
salesman slaying

Three of 4 doctors who tested
the defendant said he is able
to participate in his defense

By Debra Barayuga
Star-Bulletin

Circuit Judge Virginia Crandall ruled today that a Waialua man accused of murdering vacuum cleaner salesman Melchor Tabag is fit to stand trial.

The attorney for Michael Lawrence will seek an insanity defense for his client.

At a fitness hearing today, three out of four doctors said they believe Lawrence is mentally fit to go to trial.

Court-appointed psychologist Dennis Donovan noted in his report that he does not believe Lawrence is fit for trial because he could not adequately assist his lawyer in his defense, said deputy prosecutor Kevin Takata.

However, since Donovan's examination, Lawrence has become more cooperative and is able to discuss his case, Takata said.

The state's doctor, psychologist Harold Hall submitted a 10-page report in which he notes that Lawrence is capable of testifying in his own defense and has agreed to cooperate with his attorney. Hall noted that Lawrence is also able to recall and relate facts relating to the charges, Takata said.

Lawrence told Hall, "I chopped up Mr. Tabag," Takata said. "Obviously, he knows where he was and what he did."

Lawrence appeared before the court today for the first time since his preliminary hearing in District Court. He was clean-shaven, his shoulder-length hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and he wore a dark shirt and jeans.

He appeared alert and responded with a "yes" to Circuit Judge Virginia Crandall's queries as to whether he understood he was accepting the doctors' findings and was waiving his right to question his examiners.

The court granted a defense request that Lawrence remain at the State Hospital until the same panel of doctors can examine him on the issue of his mental state at the time he allegedly committed the murder.

Outside the courtroom, public defender Bill Jameson said Lawrence has a mental disorder, but he would not go into details.

Lawrence began taking medication for the disorder after he was admitted to the State Hospital in August, Jameson said.

The court scheduled the trial for the week of Oct. 9.