Dismissal sought in murder case

LIHUE — The attorney for the man accused in the slaying of his elderly landlord asked the Fifth Circuit Court Tuesday to dismiss the case on grounds that she has not yet received all of the evidence against her client.

Chief Judge Randal Valenciano denied the request and retained the Nov. 5 trial date.

Peter Grewer, 62, formerly of Omao, is accused in the stabbing death of 67-year-old Joellen Hartman in her Punee Road home the week of June 18.

Police were called to her home June 19 to conduct a welfare check, when they found her deceased.

Deputy Defense Attorney Stephanie Char said she needs the forensics reports but hasn’t been able to get them.

“In order for me to provide effective and expeditious assistance to my client I need this information,” Char said.

Though the court granted the defense’s motion to compel, the evidence the defense received was not complete, she said.

“I would like to at this time renew my motion to dismiss,” Char said.

Tuesday, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sean Van Demark said he asked if there was a possibility to expedite the forensics reports, due Oct. 16.

Van Demark said the forensics team has been working on completing their analysis, which will include the comparison of items found at the scene of the crime and a swab test conducted on Grewer.

On June 19, Hartman had driven Grewer, who owed her money, to eviction court and an eviction was granted.

According to witnesses, Grewer threatened Hartman twice the day of the proceedings, once in the vehicle on the way to the hearing and again in front of the courthouse.

During his intake, Grewer admitted to drinking alcohol on a daily basis and displayed severe withdrawal symptoms after his arrest, according to testimony during his preliminary hearing.

Grewer remains in custody on $1 million bail.