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Mother of accused
murderer provides alibi

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By Debra Barayuga
Star-Bulletin

The mother of an 18-year-old man on trial for second-degree murder says her son was at home with her when a shooting occurred not far from her Ewa Beach apartment.

Leilani Brunson yesterday testified Joel Keoni Brunson had spent the afternoon with her and other family members, went out about 6 or 7 p.m., but returned just before 9 p.m. to assist her and his two young siblings return home from the pool.

On nearby Miula Street, Robert Rodemio of Kalihi was shot to death about 10 p.m. during a brawl at a birthday party he was attending.

Leilani Brunson said her son played with his younger siblings that night before going out again about 11:30 p.m.

When asked by defense attorney Myles Breiner if she ever lied to to protect her son, Brunson answered, "no."

During opening statements, Breiner said Keoni Brunson had gone to the birthday party earlier that night but left early and had his girlfriend drop him off at home.

Anthony Quisagan of Ewa, who was also at the party that night, testified last week that he saw Brunson, whom he recognized from previous encounters, pull out a gun and fire it during a brawl on the street fronting the party.

But Quisagan admitted he lied to police and investigators earlier about what he saw that night because he didn't think he would have to go to court. He also said on the stand that he was having difficulty testifying because he was afraid for his safety.