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What is the apparent motive behind the Christmas Eve robbery that resulted in the slaying of liquor store owner Song Chol Marshall? Money to pay off debts and buy drugs, prosecutors say. Suspects’ drugs, debts
led to store owner's slaying,
officials sayBy Debra Barayuga
Star-BulletinGabriel Apilando, 30, apparently was the mastermind behind the robbery, prosecutors alleged.
"He suggested the place to be robbed, knew the victim and the victim's habits," said Deputy Prosecutor Sharlene Tom yesterday, shortly after an Oahu grand jury indicted Apilando for first-degree robbery tied to Marshall's death.
The grand jury also indicted alleged shooter Eric Vance, brothers James and Albert Hoapili and Sheldon Barquez on various charges in Marshall's death.
Vance, 31, already in custody in lieu of $250,000 bail, was indicted on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, auto theft and two firearms offenses.
Albert R. Hoapili Jr., 33, was charged with first-degree robbery and hindering prosecution. Bail was set at $55,000.
He previously pleaded no contest to an unrelated first-degree criminal property charge in which he repeatedly rammed another person's car with his car during a high-speed chase in December 1998. His plea was deferred on condition he stay out of trouble until 2004. He also has pending felony burglary and criminal property damage charges.
Brother James Hoapili, 28, was charged with first-degree robbery. He was booked on the robbery charge. Bail was set at $50,000. He also has pending auto theft and two burglary charges.
Barquez, 31, was charged with first-degree robbery, hindering prosecution and first-degree criminal property damage. Bail was set at $60,000.
Barquez torched Marshall's van to get rid of evidence, Tom said. He also was the last to be arrested, apparently because he was in hiding.
According to police, Apilando said the group needed money to buy drugs and pay off debts, and planned to rob someone. He and the four others drove into the parking lot of Angie's Market about 10 p.m. Christmas Eve. The group apparently had information that the store owner might be carrying a lot of money, said homicide Lt. Bill Kato.
Apilando said Vance jumped out and walked up to Marshall, who was getting into his van.
Police say Vance tried to pull Marshall out of the van but he resisted. Apilando said Vance pointed a black semiautomatic pistol at Marshall and he heard a shot. He then saw Vance behind the wheel of Marshall's van driving onto Kaneohe Bay Drive.
The other four allegedly followed the van to Kailua and ended up in Waimanalo, where they dumped Marshall's body in a trash bin at the rear of Keneke's Restaurant on Kalanianaole Highway. Boxes of merchandise in Marshall's van were dumped, some on Old Kalanianaole Highway.
A restaurant employee discovered Marshall's clothed body in the trash bin at 3 p.m. Christmas Day. An autopsy revealed he died of a gunshot wound to the head.
Apilando's statements led to the arrest of the four others 17 days after the murder.
Police have recovered two guns, including one they believe is the murder weapon.
Star-Bulletin reporter Rosemarie Bernardo
contributed to this report.