Closing statements were presented Thursday morning in the jury trial of Robert Neil Hansen and Edwina Nakaula, who are both charged with various counts of sexual assault and kidnapping. The jury did not complete deliberations Thursday on a verdict. The
Closing statements were presented Thursday morning in the jury trial of Robert Neil Hansen and Edwina Nakaula, who are both charged with various counts of sexual assault and kidnapping.
The jury did not complete deliberations Thursday on a verdict.
The trial is being heard in the Fifth Circuit Court in Lihu’e.
Witness testimony concluded Wednesday.
Deputy prosecutor Russell Goo wrapped up the state’s case with testimony from the alleged victim’s grandmother.
Defense attorneys Edmund Acoba and Warren Perry presented testimony from one of the girl’s teachers at Waimea High School, who is also the wife of Hansen’s father. Other defense witnesses included Hansen’s father, Hansen himself and several school friends of the alleged victim.
A grand jury indictment dated Nov. 11, 2001, charged Hansen and Nakaula with a total of one count of kidnapping, four counts of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of third-degree sexual assault.
Kidnapping is a Class B felony, punishable by 10 years imprisonment. First-degree assault is a Class A felony, punishable by 20 years imprisonment. Third-degree assault is a Class C felony, punishable by 5 years imprisonment. If convicted of more than one Class A felony, the term may be extended to a life sentence.
Because Friday is Admission’s Day, a state holiday , jury deliberations are scheduled to continue on Monday morning.
