LIHUE — The trial date for a Koloa man accused of murdering an elderly neighbor on New Year’s Day was continued for two months on Thursday in 5th Circuit Court. Giovanni Lictawa Corpuz, 41, appeared in court with Ilocano dialect
LIHUE — The trial date for a Koloa man accused of murdering an elderly neighbor on New Year’s Day was continued for two months on Thursday in 5th Circuit Court.
Giovanni Lictawa Corpuz, 41, appeared in court with Ilocano dialect court interpreter Felipa-Felina Garduque. He is accused of shooting and killing 88-year-old Amby Cruz of Omao in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day.
On the eve of the Corpuz trial date Monday, Chief Judge Randal Valenciano granted a motion to continue. He scheduled a new trial date for June 23.
The motion was filed by state Deputy State Public Defender John Calma. The motion requested a continuance in the normal course.
There was no objection from County First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Takata. The defendant waived his right to a speedy trial until the new trial date.
Valenciano denied bail for Corpuz in February. He continues to be held at Kauai Community Correctional Center.
Corpuz was declared a flight risk in part for the nature of his arrest. He was en route to the Philippines when authorities arrested him a week after the shooting while changing planes in Taiwan on Jan. 10.
Corpuz is also charged with carrying or using a firearm in the commission of a separate felony. If convicted, the state is seeking a life sentence for inflicting death or serious injury on a person ages 60 or older.
