The two men accused of attacking a gay campsite at Polihale State Beach Park May 26 both pleaded not guilty to attempted murder charges Tuesday morning at the Kaua’i Courthouse in Lihu’e. In their first appearance in Fifth Circuit Court,
The two men accused of attacking a gay campsite at Polihale State Beach Park May 26 both pleaded not guilty to attempted murder charges Tuesday morning at the Kaua’i Courthouse in Lihu’e.
In their first appearance in Fifth Circuit Court, Eamonn de Carolan, 18, of Koloa, and Orien Macomber, 19, of Lawa’i, pleaded – via their attorneys – not guilty to attempted murder and felony terroristic threatening.
The charges stemmed from an incident that escalated at the West Side beach park after the two young men had drank much beer and smoked marijuana.
Gay campers said the two youths tried to set their tents on fire.
A third camper was kicked and another was attacked with a stick.
Fifth Circuit Court Judge Clifford Nakea set the duo’s trial date for September 10.
Kaua’i Chief Deputy Prosecutor Craig De Costa said a final decision hasn’t been made on whether to try the men together or separately.
De Costa once again refused to comment on whether plea bargaining has begun with either defendant.
Both of the accused remain in Kaua’i Community Correctional Center in lieu of $250,000 bail each.
Staff writer Dennis Wilken can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) and mailto:dwilken@pulitzer.net
