Defendant facing
retrial in slaying of
Army pilot will
likely change plea

The assistant U.S. attorney indicates
that a tentative agreement
has been reached

---

By Debra Barayuga
Star-Bulletin

A defendant facing a possible retrial on first-degree murder and attempted-burglary charges in the slaying of Army helicopter pilot John Latchum is expected to change his plea.

Attorneys in the case declined to comment on details of the agreement pending a hearing tentatively set for April 2.

But Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Johnson told U.S. Magistrate Leslie Kobayashi yesterday that they have reached a tentative agreement.

Rustam Barbee, attorney for Keala Leong, said the defense has "agreed in principle" and expects to have a written agreement prepared next week.

First-degree murder is punishable by life without parole. Burglary carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor declared a mistrial for Leong, 21, in December after a jury could not reach a unanimous verdict for the murder and attempted-burglary charges. They acquitted him, however, of two counts of attempted robbery.

The same jury convicted Leong's two co-defendants, Roberto Miguel and Bryson Jose, of first-degree murder and firearms offenses.

During a five-week trial, Leong's defense maintained he was with Miguel and Jose outside the beachside cabin where the Latchums were vacationing. But he denied he was a participant in causing Latchum's death.

Miguel, who prosecutors maintained was the shooter, will be sentenced July 2. Jose will be sentenced June 25.

Donald Calarruda, who witnesses testified produced the handgun and bullets that were used to shoot Latchum, has since been charged in connection with Latchum's shooting, but not with felony murder. Another youth, Keoni Tapaoan, testified he was also there that night, and could still face charges.