Advertisement - Click to support our sponsors.

Attorney convicted
of manslaughter
in April strangling

---

By Debra Barayuga
Star-Bulletin

A 38-year-old man charged with second-degree murder for strangling a man to death in April was found guilty yesterday of the lesser offense of manslaughter.

Kennard Montez faces a maximum of 20 years for recklessly causing the death of Henry Paoa, 47, when sentenced Dec. 11.

Deputy Prosecutor Jeff Albert said the evidence showed Montez was guilty of second-degree murder, but Albert was satisfied "he didn't get away with it.

"It's not the verdict we wanted, but it's one we can live with."

Albert said he will seek an extended term based on the trial evidence and Montez's background. "We believe there are substantial grounds that support a motion for an extended sentence."

Albert contended Paoa's death was an "execution murder." He said Montez gouged Paoa's eyes, "causing extraordinary pain and probably unconsciousness," then applied pressure to Paoa's carotid artery until he died.

Paoa, the state contended, had been lured to Montez's apartment with the promise of drugs, a theory the defense denies.

The defense had claimed Montez was only defending himself after Paoa struck him across the mouth with an empty beer bottle. Montez apparently had refused to pay for a prostitute Paoa brought with him.

Montez, a licensed attorney originally from Arkansas, had been living at a Waikiki apartment since July 1999 and was taking classes at the University of Hawaii.