Kaneohe man admits
killing store owner
A Kaneohe man accused of being the shooter in the death of a Kaneohe liquor store owner on Christmas Eve 2000 has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
Eric Vance, 34, also pleaded guilty yesterday in Circuit Court to escape and kidnapping in a March 2001 escape from the Oahu Community Correctional Center, where he was awaiting trial in the murder.
"He took full and complete responsibility," said Cliff Hunt, Vance's attorney. "He is very remorseful and sad for what he did."
Vance pleaded because he did not want to put the victim's family and his family through the ordeal of a trial, Hunt said.
Vance also pleaded guilty to related charges of first-degree robbery, auto theft and two firearm offenses in connection with the murder.
Song Chol Marshall, owner of Angie's Market on Kaneohe Bay Drive, was found dead in a trash bin in Waimanalo of a gunshot wound to his head on Christmas Day 2000. His van, which had been stolen, was later found burned in Mapunapuna.
Four others were arrested in connection with Marshall's death, but only Vance was charged with murder.
Sheldon Barquez and James Hoapili have since pleaded guilty to second-degree robbery. Barquez also pleaded guilty to criminal property damage for torching Marshall's van to get rid of evidence.
Two other co-defendants, Albert Hoapili, brother of James Hoapili, and Gabriel Apilando face trial Jan. 26 on charges of robbery and hindering prosecution. The trial has been delayed because of numerous hearings held to determine whether statements by the defendants should be admitted at trial.
According to prosecutors, Marshall apparently was murdered so the defendants could obtain money to pay off debts and buy drugs. Apilando, accused as the mastermind behind the robbery, allegedly suggested that they rob Angie's Market and knew Marshall and his habits.
Based on statements from Apilando, prosecutors say the group drove into the parking lot of Angie's Market late Christmas Eve. They had information that Marshall might be carrying a lot of money. Vance allegedly confronted Marshall, who was getting into his van, and tried to pull him out. Marshall apparently was shot when he resisted.
Vance then jumped behind the wheel of Marshall's van, and the rest followed in their car to Kailua where they dumped the store owner's body in a bin behind Keneke's Restaurant on Kalanianaole Highway, Apilando said.
Vance will be sentenced March 21. Second-degree murder is punishable by life in prison with parole. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek three life terms for the murder and extended and consecutive sentences on the remaining counts.
