LIHUE — A stipulation of unfitness to proceed filed by attorneys representing two cases involving negligent homicide and attempted murder prompted the cancellation of a hearing Thursday in 5th Circuit Court. The defendant, Robert Wayne Yount, 83, of Kalaheo, did
LIHUE — A stipulation of unfitness to proceed filed by attorneys representing two cases involving negligent homicide and attempted murder prompted the cancellation of a hearing Thursday in 5th Circuit Court.
The defendant, Robert Wayne Yount, 83, of Kalaheo, did not appear in court. He was declared mentally unfit for trial on April 17, and remains held at a secure medical facility on Oahu.
With Chief Judge Randal Valenciano preceding, Yount’s attorney, June Ikemoto, along with County First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Takata, told the court that the defendant remains unfit to proceed.
Court records note that Yount’s status remains as a “dangerously involuntary civil commitment.” A motion for dismissal of charges for reason of mental disease or defect was filed and matters of status have been taken off the court calendar.
The first case involves Yount as the driver of an SUV that struck 26-year-old Jill Garnett as she walked along Kaumualii Highway in Puhi on March 16, 2013. She died from her injuries and Yount was charged with negligent homicide.
The second case involves Yount’s possession of firearms, and for firing a shot while threatening Kauai police officers that were attempting to deliver a felony warrant for the indictment in the Garnett case at his home on Nov. 18, 2013.
The family of Garnett reached a $1.1 million settlement in a wrongful death suit against Yount in July.
