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Accused killer of
park ranger pleads
not guilty

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By Debra Barayuga
Star-Bulletin

Government prosecutors are expected to submit a recommendation to U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno to assist her in deciding whether to seek the death penalty for a drifter accused of murdering a Big Island national park ranger.

The government is required in all cases that qualify for the death penalty to submit a memo to the attorney general whether or not she decides to seek the death penalty, said assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson.

Eugene Frederick Boyce
ACCUSED KILLER

Through his attorney, federal public defender Peter Wolff, Eugene Frederick Boyce, 30, yesterday pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the December 1999 slaying of Steve Makuakane-Jarrell at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park in Kona.

Makuakane-Jarrell, 47, was investigating complaints of wild dogs that apparently belonged to Boyce. Boyce told the FBI he struggled with the ranger over the ranger's gun, and it went off.

The charge against Boyce was suspended last April after a U.S. magistrate found him unfit to go to trial and ordered him to undergo psychiatric treatment. Earlier this week, U.S. Magistrate Barry Kurren ruled he was competent.

Yesterday, Kurren ruled more time was necessary to prepare the case and set trial for Oct. 16.