Maui man convicted of first-degree murder in shooting death of police officer

Clembert Kaneholani, 39, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Officer Suzanne O in Pāʻia, Maui, last August. The verdict followed two days of jury deliberations.

Maui jury convicts man of first-degree murder in officer's shooting death

Clembert Kaneholani, 39, has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the killing of Maui Police Officer Suzanne O, hawaiinewsnow.com reports. O was shot in Pāʻia last August.

Kaneholani, also known as "Aliʻi," stood trial on six offences in total. The jury convicted him on all counts, including reckless endangering and four separate firearms charges. Deliberations began at 3:20 p.m. on Tuesday and lasted two days before a unanimous verdict was reached.

Prosecutor Andrew Martin told the court that Kaneholani's own recorded words formed some of the strongest evidence against him. Martin pointed to jail calls in which Kaneholani made statements including "I got me one doe" and "If you're in blue, I ain't a friend to you."

The defence had argued a different account. Kaneholani's attorney, Zachary Raidmae, told the jury during trial that the shooting was accidental and that officers had failed to follow proper protocol. Following the verdict, Raidmae said: "Out of respect for the jury and the ongoing proceedings, I don't think it would be appropriate for me to comment on the case at this time. Alii is digesting the verdict and I'll reserve any comment until the proceedings have concluded."

Officer O's family members, fellow officers and supporters embraced, cried and shook hands in the gallery after the verdict was read. Her family said they hold mixed emotions — grateful that the jury found Kaneholani guilty, but clear that the outcome does not bring Officer O back.

First-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. According to state officials, this was the first time a defendant charged under the first-degree murder statute — covering killings of police officers, judges and prosecutors — had gone to trial in Maui County. Sentencing proceedings are ongoing.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)