LIHU‘I — The suspect in last January’s Kapahi shooting incident changed his plea to guilty Thursday in 5th Circuit Court. Kevin K. Christian, 41, pleaded guilty to two of the 19 charges against him from a four-hour standoff with police
LIHU‘I — The suspect in last January’s Kapahi shooting incident changed his plea to guilty Thursday in 5th Circuit Court.
Kevin K. Christian, 41, pleaded guilty to two of the 19 charges against him from a four-hour standoff with police on Jan 5. He allegedly shot a rifle more than 20 times from his apartment, sending rounds in the direction of officers and into his landlord’s residence.
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney John Murphy represented the state. The plea deal reduced an attempted first-degree murder charge to attempted first-degree assault. Christian also pleaded guilty to a charge of “place to keep a loaded firearm.”
Two counts of first-degree terroristic threat, two counts of first-degree criminal property damage, and 13 counts of first-degree reckless endangerment were dismissed in the deal.
Chief Judge Randal Valenciano said the two charges are Class B felonies and each present a maximum 10-year jail sentence and a $25,000 fine. Because he is charged with two felonies, the court could exercise the extended sentence option and a 40-year sentence is possible.
Christian’s last court hearing was May 3, where he was declared fit for trial. His trial date had been set for July 30, but will instead move toward sentencing on Sept. 27.
Deputy State Public Defender Christian Enright had scheduled the hearing for the court to suppress evidence or to dismiss the indictment for failing to state an offense. Following a brief bench conference the change of plea was entered.
Christian turned to acknowledge family or friends at the conclusion of the proceedings. He is currently in custody at Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center.
∫ Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or tlaventure@thegardenisland.com.
