Killer wants to testify against ex-girlfriend Matthew Blankswade, 22, sentenced Thursday to life in prison for the shooting slaying of his former girlfriend’s father, said through his lawyer that he wants to testify on her alleged involvement in the murder.
Killer wants to testify against ex-girlfriend
Matthew Blankswade, 22, sentenced Thursday to life in prison for the shooting slaying of his former girlfriend’s father, said through his lawyer that he wants to testify on her alleged involvement in the murder.
Fifth Circuit Court Judge Clifford Nakea included the possibility of parole in his sentence of Blankswade. That was the only sentencing option Nakea had on the second-degree murder charge arrived at in a plea arrangement two months ago.
Blankswade will receive credit for time served of one year and four days, Nakea ordered.
Blankswade pleaded no-contest in May to shooting Jeff Brisebois, 48, while the victim slept at his Powerhouse Road home in the North Shore area.
Before he was sentenced yesterday, Blankswade, his once long, dyed-black hair shaved down to a blonde stubble, asked to speak.
“I apologize for taking the court’s time. I’m sorry for what I’ve done,” he said.
His attorney, public defender Ed Acoba, suggested the case wasn’t completed with only Blankswade behind bars.
“Why did he do it? He did not stand to inherit any money or property. He had no prior record of any kind,” Acoba said. “We do know there is someone out there with a motive. It is Matt’s family’s hope and [his] hope that this other person be brought to justice. Matt wishes to cooperate in the prosecution of this other person.”
Although he wouldn’t say it in open court, Acoba was alluding to Amber Brisebois, 19, Blankswade’s girlfriend at the time of the killing.
Blankswade reportedly told detectives soon after his arrest last July that he killed Jeff Brisebois for his girlfriend, Amber, the victim’s daughter.
Blankswade and Amber Brisebois, when taken into custody last summer, failed polygraphs. But Brisebois was released and reportedly left the island for California.
Kaua’i County Prosecuting Attorney Mike Soong said in May that the case might not be closed. And now, with Blankswade offering to testify against the person he claimed earlier was the brains behind the killing, there will be some followup, according to chief deputy prosecutor Crag De Costa.
“Well, I’m sure after hearing that statement, we’ll have a little talk with Mr. Blankswade,” De Costa said.
Blankswade is expected to serve at least 30 years in prison before he is eligible for parole.
Staff writer Dennis Wilken can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) and mailto:dwilken@pulitzer.net
