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Death penalty ruled out in pilot's 1998 killing
Attorney General Janet Reno has decided not to seek the death penalty against two men charged in the fatal shooting of an Army helicopter pilot at the Waianae Army Recreation Center in 1998, the U.S. Attorney's Office says.Bryson Jose, 20, Keala Leong, 19, and Roberto Miguel, 18, are charged with murder, attempted robbery and attempted burglary in the death of John Latchum, 33, on June 3, 1998, and could get life if convicted of murder. Miguel was a juvenile at the time of the shooting and could not have received the death penalty. However, he will be tried as an adult. Trial is scheduled for Sept. 12. Miguel is accused of firing the fatal shot on orders of Jose, the government says.
Latchum, at the recreation center with his family, was trying to keep intruders from breaking into his rented cottage when he was shot to death, investigators said.
The decision not to seek the death penalty was based on several factors, including U.S. Attorney Steven Alm's recommendation.
City to re-create scene of fatal 1997 accident
The city today was to re-create the scene of a 1997 crash that killed a 27-year-old woman when a firetruck slammed into her car.The re-creation of the accident at the intersection of Kewalo Street and Wilder Avenue is in connection with a lawsuit filed last year against the city, Honolulu Fire Department and firetruck driver Richard Spelman. The suit alleges that Spelman and the department were negligent and responsible for Tracey Teruya's death. It also alleges the city negligently created unsafe road conditions at the site of the accident.
The Makiki-based fire engine was responding to a medical call when it struck Teruya's Nissan.
Musicians union head Milton Carter Jr. dies
Longtime local Musicians Union President Milton Carter Jr. died last night of a heart attack.The Hilo-born trumpet and string bassist was elected president of the union in 1985 at the age of 57.
"His death will be a loss to all the people of Hawaii who truly loved music," said Michael Tiknis, executive director of the Honolulu Symphony. "He was a wonderful representative of the musicians of Hawaii."
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHonolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
Salvation Army on Maui hit hard by fire loss
WAILUKU -- Fire investigators suspect the fire that destroyed the Salvation Army Thrift Store in Kahului might have been caused by electrical problems, said Sue Kamalo, the organization's director of homeless programs.Last night's fire in the wooden structure, built in 1937, caused $100,000 damage to the structure and $40,000 to contents.
The building was fully engulfed in flames as firefighters arrived only five minutes after receiving the alarm at 10:34 p.m., Assistant Fire Chief Alan Cordeiro said.
Kamalo said the store was in the process of moving into the old Maui Hardware space at the Kahului Shopping Center.
She said most of the inventory, including used clothing and appliances, was destroyed in the store, leaving them with little to sell.
"The grand opening special will have very little products unless we receive donations," she said.
Kamalo said proceeds from the store are used for an emergency fund to help homeless families and for a homeless Christmas gift fund and youth camp.
The building also provided space for offices for mental health counseling and nursing, a shower and washer and dryer facility for the homeless, and a feeding program.
Volunteers were erecting a temporary tent along with a generator to operate the feeding program on the nearby former site of the Salvation Army's youth center, which was destroyed in a fire several years ago.
Blaze at Manoa house sends man to hospital
Fire crews battled a blaze in Manoa Valley this morning that sent an elderly man to the hospital and caused an estimated $75,000 damage to a home at 2623 Halelena Place.The 7:46 a.m. fire was reported under control about 10 minutes later, fire officials said.
A woman, 76, and her husband, 78, were at home when the fire started.
The man, who suffers from chronic heart problems, was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.
Investigators determined the fire was caused by a heating pad connected to a multi-plug outlet.
Police officer injured in Waianae foot chase
A police officer suffered minor injuries while chasing a man who escaped from the Waianae Police Station yesterday afternoon.When officers attempted to capture him, he kicked and injured an officer, police said. The incident happened at about 3 p.m.
Teen robbery suspect will be tried as an adult
A 17-year-old boy, believed to be the shooter in the Feb. 8 home invasion robbery in Pearl City, was re-arrested as an adult yesterday after a Family Court judge cleared the way for the teen-ager to be prosecuted as an adult.The boy was being held at the Alder Street Detention Facility for the robbery, police said.
The teen-ager is accused of barging into a Kaumahana Place home with three other males and robbing the resident, police said.
The resident was shot with a rifle during the robbery.
Kona suspect surrenders in attack at Kalaoa
KAILUA-KONA -- A 26-year-old Kailua-Kona man suspected of attacking a Kalaoa woman in her apartment turned himself in to police yesterday, they said.Police said a nude man entered the victim's apartment Thursday night, raped her and cut her with a knife before she was able to escape.
