 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARBULLETIN.COMDon Wilkerson, attorney for Kirk Lankford, right, says his client maintains his innocence in the presumed murder of Japanese visitor Masumi Watanabe, as police continue to investigate her disappearance. CLICK FOR LARGE |
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Murder suspect claims innocence
The suspect's family has sympathy for the family of the Japanese visitor, his lawyer says
The defense attorney for a 22-year-old Kalihi man charged in the disappearance and presumed murder of a Japanese visitor offered a brief statement but would not comment on the case against his client.
"The Lankford family sends their condolences to the Watanabe family," said Honolulu attorney Don Wilkerson, retained to represent Kirk Matthew Lankford, a pest control technician who has since been fired.
When asked if Lankford is maintaining his innocence, Wilkerson replied, "Yes."
Lankford made his first court appearance yesterday before Honolulu District Judge Leslie Hayashi, who set his preliminary hearing for tomorrow and confirmed bail at $1 million.
 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARBULLETIN.COMKirk Lankford made his first appearance in District Court yesterday. He is charged with the murder of Japanese citizen Masumi Watanabe, who was last seen April 12 near Pupukea. CLICK FOR LARGE |
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Described by family members and neighbors as a shy, churchgoing family man, Lankford was charged Saturday with second-degree murder in the disappearance of 21-year-old Masumi Watanabe, who was last seen April 12 walking in Pupukea.
Homicide and missing-persons detectives continued scouring the North Shore and Windward areas yesterday, making checks and following up on leads. They were expected to go out again today.
Watanabe, who became enamored with Hawaii after visiting last September and returned to stay with a host family in Pupukea, volunteered at Sunset Beach Elementary and loved to sketch animals, particularly dogs, said her parents, Hideichi and Fumiko Watanabe.
Despite defense objections, Hayashi granted the media's request for cameras in the courtroom after finding no good cause to prohibit such coverage.
Wilkerson, who met with Lankford only yesterday morning, had argued that he was not given reasonable time to confer with his client about how to conduct himself in front of the media, particularly since this was his first public appearance. He said these are important considerations because of the prejudicial effect it could have on potential jurors.
Lankford, clad in a blue collared shirt and khaki cargo shorts and slippers, stood with hands clasped and remained silent throughout the hearing.
No body has been found, but Watanabe's DNA allegedly matches samples obtained from prescription glasses found inside Lankford's company truck and blood found on the door and passenger seat.
