LIHU‘E — A motion requesting a special forensics analysis was considered in court Thursday in the murder trial of Vicente Kotekapika Hilario. Hilario was in court with his defense attorney Keith Shigetomi, who presented a report in support of a
LIHU‘E — A motion requesting a special forensics analysis was considered in court Thursday in the murder trial of Vicente Kotekapika Hilario.
Hilario was in court with his defense attorney Keith Shigetomi, who presented a report in support of a request to hire an outside forensics investigation. It was needed, Shigetomi said, because the state would rely on carbon residue analysis from the weapon to prosecute its case.
First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jake Delaplane said the state does not object to the motion. Previous reports were conducted by the Honolulu Police Department crime lab and the medical examiner.
The hiring of an outside firm with technical capabilities and special training are required to examine the evidence and the process by which it was collected, Shigetomi said. The issue for independent testing is two-part, investigating the process of recovery and the procedures of analysis.
The Mainland company that Shigetomi would like to have conduct the analysis has an electron microscope and other equipment that he said is essential in answering questions in the case.
The issue of testing met the approval of Chief Judge Randal Valenciano of the 5th Circuit. However, he said hiring a Mainland company presents logistical issues. He said it is possible that experts would need to be brought to Kaua‘i to testify and that this could result in additional expenses or affect the court calendar.
After a bench conference, the motion was continued until Jan. 9 to allow Shigetomi and Delaplane the opportunity to identify possible forensic science technicians in Hawai‘i. Another concern was how to have the study conducted prior to scheduling witness testimony during evidentiary hearings.
Hilario, 25, of Anahola, is accused of shooting and killing Kapa‘a resident Aureo Moore, 34, near Anahola Beach Park on Dec. 17, 2010. He is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, retaliating against a witness, intimidating a witness and bribery of a witness.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or tlaventure@ thegardenisland.com.
