Big Island police testify
father admitted shooting
HILO >> Douglas John Fathke, accused of shooting and killing his 8-year-old daughter with a hunting rifle on Easter Sunday, made his first appearance in District Court yesterday since he was found mentally competent to stand trial last month.
Fathke, 44, is charged with second-degree murder in the April 20 death of his daughter, Kelsie, at Becky's Bed & Breakfast, the establishment he managed in Naalehu. Fathke, also charged with attempted murder and terroristic threatening, appeared in a preliminary hearing before Judge John Moran. The hearing is to continue Dec. 3.
Hawaii County police officer William Doar testified that when he approached the bed and breakfast, Fathke said he had "just shot his rifle outside by accident."
Sgt. James Gusman said Fathke then "held out his wrists and said: 'Take me. I just shot my daughter.'" The officers discovered Kelsie lying in her bed in a pool of blood.
"She was shot once in the right cheek," said paramedic David O'Neil.
He said efforts to resuscitate her were futile.
Doar said that when the suspect was asked his name, he first stated he was "Jesus Christ," and then "Satan," before giving his name.
Gusman also testified that Fathke told him, "God would understand," and, "I am God."
