Self-represented defendant
is guilty of murder
The Kahuku man faces a life term
with possibility of parole
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Colonel Robert Taylor, also known as Robert Colonel Mathis, 53, was also found guilty yesterday of three firearms offenses and first-degree promotion of marijuana. He gave no visible reaction when the verdicts were read.
Taylor was accused of shooting Jesus Camacho, 52, once in the chest on July 8, 2003. He brought Camacho to Kahuku Hospital, but because of the extent of his injuries, Camacho was flown to the Queen's Medical Center, where he later died.
Taylor, who represented himself at trial before Circuit Judge Michael Wilson, initially told police and staff at the hospital that he had been drinking heavily and that he had shot Camacho. But he later admitted he made that up so police would not go to the ranch and discover the marijuana he was growing in a remote area in the mountains some two miles above Kahuku.
Taylor alleged at trial that individuals who had ripped off his marijuana before and beat him were responsible for Camacho's death and that the shooting was retribution, said attorney Lane Takahashi, who assisted Taylor. He also accused police of being involved in the marijuana operation and Camacho and others of conspiring against him.
When police went up to the Sky Ranch to investigate the shooting, they discovered at least 3,000 marijuana plants in various stages of cultivation, about 30 pounds of processed marijuana and eight loaded firearms. The barn where the marijuana was being grown under heat lamps was guarded by dogs.
Deputy Prosecutor Chris Van Marter said there was no evidence to substantiate Taylor's allegations of police misconduct or wrongdoing. "(Police) did their job by the book and did a fair investigation," he said, adding that the jury did not find Taylor credible.
Van Marter described Taylor as "paranoid" because he was involved in an illegal operation and didn't trust police or his friends.
Arturo Acosta, who had dropped Camacho off at the ranch earlier that morning, had testified that Camacho was a good guy who lived his life to the fullest but took chances and was aware of the consequences. "But he didn't expect this."
Acosta said Camacho was not comfortable working for Taylor and wanted to get the money he was owed and return to Mexico as soon as possible. Taylor had offered Camacho some $15,000 to $30,000 for helping with the marijuana operation, Acosta said.
Camacho was also worried about Taylor's drinking and how he would get belligerent and wave a gun around, saying he would shoot if he wanted to, Acosta said.
Taylor faces a life term with the possibility of parole for the murder when he is sentenced on Feb. 9. He also faces a mandatory minimum term as a repeat offender. Taylor has a previous felony conviction for growing marijuana in California.