William Lowell McCrory was found guilty of second-degree murder yesterday. The unanimous jury verdict was reached after about five hours of deliberation by seven men and five women. Fifth Circuit Judge Kathleen N.A. Watanabe set sentencing for April 27. McCrory
William Lowell McCrory was found guilty of second-degree murder yesterday.
The unanimous jury verdict was reached after about five hours of deliberation by seven men and five women.
Fifth Circuit Judge Kathleen N.A. Watanabe set sentencing for April 27. McCrory faces life in prison with the possibility of parole.
County prosecutor Craig De Costa and deputy prosecutor Ken Norelli represented the state in the Class A felony case.
“We feel justice was done,” said De Costa. “The detectives did a good job in getting the evidence needed to convict,” he added.
McCrory’s attorney Daniel Hempey said that the verdict is going to be appealed. He was court-appointed four years ago to represent McCrory, and appealed the first jury conviction to the state Supreme Court.
“The Hawai’i Supreme Court ruled he did not get a fair trial the first time. We won that,” said Hempey.
McCrory’s conviction of murdering Brent “Kirby” Kerr in 2002 was overturned by the state’s highest court two years later. The justices ruled that the testimony of a witness for the prosecution was irrelevant and prejudicial.
Jury selection in the second trial started March 20. According to court records, 74 potential jurors were available.
Jury selection, opening statements, testimony and closing arguments were spread out over five days.
