LIHUE — A man who police say killed an elderly man pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Wednesday. Giovanni Lictawa Corpuz, of Koloa, was charged with second-degree murder and firearms charges in connection to the 2014 death of 88-year Amby Cruz
LIHUE — A man who police say killed an elderly man pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Wednesday.
Giovanni Lictawa Corpuz, of Koloa, was charged with second-degree murder and firearms charges in connection to the 2014 death of 88-year Amby Cruz of Omao. Corpuz was heading for trial before changing his plea.
Cruz was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound to the head in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day 2014, according to police reports.
Corpuz, 44, was arrested in Taiwan while en route to the Philippines on Jan. 10, 2014.
A grand jury indictment on Jan. 15 charged Corpuz with second-degree murder and carrying or using a firearm in the commission of a separate felony.
“Credit is due to lead Kauai Police Department Detective Bernard Purisima for his thorough investigation in this case,” said Justin Kollar, prosecuting attorney. “Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family.”
Corpuz faces a life sentence with a possibility of parole for inflicting death or serious injury on a person age 60 or older.
Sentencing is scheduled April 5 before Fifth Circuit Judge Kathleen Watanabe.
Corpuz, along with the victim’s family, will have a chance to testify at the sentencing.
