Man accused of trying to kill roommate goes to trial

LIHUE — The trial for a man who police say tried to kill his roommate won’t take place until the summer.

Jeffrey Simpson was set to go to trial in front of Judge Randal Valenciano Monday on charges of second-degree attempted murder, reckless endangerment and possession of firearms, but the proceeding was continued.

“There’s a lot of discovery to be reviewed,” said Justin Kollar, prosecuting attorney. “The reports were just completed and submitted recently.”

Simpson was arrested Oct. 11, 2016 after police responded to a home on Kamalu Road, in Kapaa, when residents reported hearing gunshots at around midnight.

When police arrived, they found a man on his bedroom floor, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The 52-year-old victim lives in the house with several adult roommates, including Simpson, according to a press release.

He was medevaced to Queen’s Hospital on Oahu in serious but stable condition.

Simpson, 57, was not at the house when police arrived. He turned himself in to the police department later that day. 

He pleaded not guilty on Oct. 26.

Simpson is set to go to trial on July 24.