LIHU‘E — The condition of the defendant accused of damaging the doors and windows of retail outlets at Kukui Grove Center is deteriorated to the point of serious concern, says her public defender. For the second hearing in a month,
LIHU‘E — The condition of the defendant accused of damaging the doors and windows of retail outlets at Kukui Grove Center is deteriorated to the point of serious concern, says her public defender.
For the second hearing in a month, Patricia Lewis refused to be transported to court from Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center. She was to appear for a status report regarding her mental fitness for trial.
Lewis, 31, of Lihu‘e, is accused of damaging store windows and an ATM machine with a baseball bat. She is charged with second-degree criminal property damage, a class C felony; third-degree criminal property damage, a misdemeanor; and attempted first-degree criminal property damage, a class B felony.
State Deputy Public Defender Samuel Jajich said that in meeting with the defendant recently, he noticed a considerable deterioration and is concerned for her welfare. He asked the court to consider that the facility may not be appropriate for her condition.
Judge Kathleen Watanabe allowed the hearing without the defendant present, and said the defendant’s decision not to cooperate has delayed three medical examiners from completing their fitness for trial interviews.
Without objection from County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Timothy Tobin, the court ordered the reports to be completed for a March 27 status hearing on fitness.
At least two of the doctors reported needing more time, Jajich said, but that he would talk to them about the defendant’s condition and the urgency for the early hearing.
