LIHUE — Two men arrested in connection with the death of Jon Togioka were arraigned Wednesday afternoon. Koma Texeira and Clayton Kona, both of Waimea, appeared in district court before Judge Joe Moss. Texeira, 20, has been charged with second-degree
LIHUE — Two men arrested in connection with the death of Jon Togioka were arraigned Wednesday afternoon.
Koma Texeira and Clayton Kona, both of Waimea, appeared in district court before Judge Joe Moss.
Texeira, 20, has been charged with second-degree murder, carrying a firearm in commission of a separate felony, possession of a firearm and two counts of ownership or possession of a firearm.
“Mr. Texeira was indicted by the grand jury this morning and bail was set at $1 million,” said Justin Kollar, Kauai County prosecuting attorney.
When Texeira was arrested on Friday, his bail was set at $500,000.
His co-defendant, Kona, has been named the accomplice in the case, according to a complaint filed by the state.
Kona, 38, has been charged with accomplice to second-degree murder, carrying or use of a firearm in commission of a separate felony, two counts of ownership or possession of a firearm and place to keep a pistol or revolver.
Kona was arrested on Nov. 3. His bail was also set at $500,000. On Wednesday, he pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
During the proceedings, his bail was increased to $750,000. It was not set at $1 million because he was charged with a lesser crime, said his lawyer, Mark Zenger.
“He’s being charged as the accomplice,” Zenger said. “His bail should be less.”
Police believe Texeira and Kona are connected with the killing of Togioka, whose body was found on Nov. 1. An autopsy confirmed that Togioka had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
A bystander found Togioka shortly before 7 a.m. along the shoreline near Port Allen Airport. His death was ruled a homicide two days later.
In addition to this case, Texeira has a pending drug case, where he is facing promoting a dangerous drug and drug paraphernalia charges, Kollar said.
“It concerns alleged possession of methamphetamine and associated drug paraphernalia, consistent with personal use,” Kollar said.
In that case, Texeira is also facing an unlawful possession of ammunition charge.
He is set to go to trial in that case in January.
Kona is currently serving two years probation after being convicted of a family-abuse charge in October. He also has three contempt-of-court convictions, Kollar said.
Texeira and Kona will be in court again Nov. 14 for a preliminary hearing.
