Whatever
Happened...
Question: What ever happened to the pair accused of killing 82-year-old Edward Bird, a retired U.S. Navy physician, in his South Maui condominium in December 1999? Trials pending for pair
accused in 1997 slayingBy Gary T. Kubota
gkubota@starbulletin.comAnswer: Lisa Avilla and Michael Pavich, both 31, are being held on at least $230,000 bail in a Maui jail, pending their separate trials on July 8 and Aug. 12, respectively.
Deputy Prosecutor Melinda Mendes said preparations leading to the trials are taking longer, partially because the prosecution and defense are waiting for the results of DNA tests.
Mendes said because Bird was older than 65, a person convicted of his murder could face life in prison without parole.
Bird, whose apartment was a gathering place for children to watch television and eat cookies, rode a motorized three-wheeler on trips to the store. His body was found in his bedroom on Dec. 3, after an apparent burglary.
Pavich, also known as Arlo, also faces theft and forgery charges unrelated to the murder. He was being held at Maui Community Correctional Center when he was charged with the murder.
Avilla's roommate, Lucille T. Abraham, also known as Tania, told police that Avilla told her about the murder and broke down and cried afterward. "She told me she killed him. Her and Arlo killed that man," she reported.
Abraham said a couple of days later, Pavich threatened to kill her and two other people if they said anything.
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