LIHU‘E — The defendant accused of damaging doors and windows at Kukui Grove Center last December was committed to the Hawai‘i State Hospital Monday in 5th Circuit Court. Patricia Lewis, 31, of Lihu‘e, was not present at the hearing. She
LIHU‘E — The defendant accused of damaging doors and windows at Kukui Grove Center last December was committed to the Hawai‘i State Hospital Monday in 5th Circuit Court.
Patricia Lewis, 31, of Lihu‘e, was not present at the hearing. She had refused to appear at two prior court hearings about the status of her fitness for trial.
State Deputy Public Defender Samuel Jajich reported to the court that Lewis was not present at this hearing because she was transported without explanation from Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center to the O‘ahu Correctional Center.
Jajich had reported on March 13 that the health and mental health of the defendant had deteriorated to the point of serious concern and recommended a more appropriate facility.
Judge Kathleen Watanabe waived the appearance and ordered the defendant to be placed under the care of the Hawai‘i State Hospital for assessment of her condition.
With the change of jurisdiction, she ordered a new fitness panel with three new medical examiners on O‘ahu, with a status of fitness hearing set for April 16.
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Vogt said the state had no position on the motion.
Lewis is accused of damaging store windows and an ATM machine with a baseball bat.
She is charged with second-degree criminal property damage, a class C felony; third-degree criminal property damage, a misdemeanor; and attempted first-degree criminal property damage, a class B felony.
