LIHU‘E — The preliminary hearing for the suspect in the stabbing death of a Kapa‘a woman was continued for one month on Thursday in Kaua‘i District Court. Steven Michael Wilson, 26, of Kapa‘a, will remain in custody on $1 million
LIHU‘E — The preliminary hearing for the suspect in the stabbing death of a Kapa‘a woman was continued for one month on Thursday in Kaua‘i District Court.
Steven Michael Wilson, 26, of Kapa‘a, will remain in custody on $1 million bail until his preliminary hearing is held on May 30. He agreed to allow his court-appointed attorney more time to prepare for the hearing.
Defense attorney Craig De Costa said he was notified of his appointment on Tuesday. He said a trial and a heavy criminal calendar did not allow for him to speak with Wilson until just 15 minutes prior to the hearing.
“I would not be able to adequately cross-examine the witnesses,” De Costa said.
De Costa was appointed after the state Public Defender’s office declared a conflict in the Wilson case on Monday. The office had previously represented a witness in the case.
County First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Takata appeared for the state, along with County Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar. He said the state is ready to proceed, with witnesses present to testify, including the police investigators and county coroner.
Takata said the state did not object to the continuance provided the time was charged to the defendant regarding the right to a speedy and public trial.
District Court Judge Trudy Senda said De Costa has a duty to his client and without the state’s objection, agreed to continue the hearing until May 30. She noted Wilson made his initial appearance on April 30, and set the one month continuance after the state confirmed the availability of witnesses.
Wilson is accused in the murder of Kendra “Kenny” Elizabeth Lewis, 21, who was found stabbed to death in her residence Friday at Kawaihau Sports Villa condominium in Kapa‘a. The preliminary hearing will be to determine if probable cause exists to prosecute the case.
According to the Kaua‘i Police Department, Wilson and the victim moved to Kaua‘i from Anchorage, Alaska earlier in the year. The two reportedly lived together with another member of the Lewis family.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-0424 or tlaventure@thegardenisland.com.
