Murder trial starts for man
accused of stabbing sister

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By Debra Barayuga
dbarayuga@starbulletin.com

A Waianae man charged with second-degree murder for fatally stabbing his sister three years ago went on trial yesterday before Circuit Judge Karl Sakamoto.

Herbert Cruz is accused of stabbing Lisa Cruz, 30, multiple times on Aug. 30, 1998, outside their Kaneaki Street home.

Deputy Prosecutor Rick Stacey said Herbert Cruz's actions on that day show he acted intentionally when he stabbed her 12 times and when he fled to escape responsibility.

Deputy Public Defender Jerry Villanueva reserved opening statements for later. But before trial began, Cruz agreed to a set of facts, including that he was responsible for her death.

Neighbors had said Herbert Cruz was in a motorcycle accident a few years before and since then could be seen yelling or singing in the streets. He also would sit for hours in the neighborhood park talking to himself.