LIHUE — The woman accused of smashing the doors and windows of Kukui Grove Center stores last December was found fit to proceed to trial on Tuesday in 5th Circuit Court. An examination to determine if Patricia Lewis, 31, of
LIHUE — The woman accused of smashing the doors and windows of Kukui Grove Center stores last December was found fit to proceed to trial on Tuesday in 5th Circuit Court.
An examination to determine if Patricia Lewis, 31, of Lihue, was mentally fit for trial on felony criminal property damage charges was completed by an appointed mental health panel.
Doctors’ Olaf Gitter and Leonard Jacobs, two psychiatrists, determined that Lewis was fit to proceed. The state designate Dr. Robert Collis said she was not fit.
State Deputy Public Defender Samuel Jajich said the defense would stipulate that Lewis is fit to proceed. The state agreed, said County Second Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Vogt.
Judge Kathleen Watanabe said the court would make the determination that Lewis was fit to proceed based on the findings in the reports and the stipulation between parties in the case.
Lewis appeared in court by video from Kahi Mohala Behavioral Health Center at Ewa Beach. She last appeared by video on June 19 when the examination was ordered.
The court granted the defense motion for a second examination to determine if Lewis is restorable for fitness and fit to proceed only. The first examination addressed the state of mind of Lewis at the time of the offense and was not considered in the second exam.
Lewis allegedly used a baseball bat to smash an ATM machine, a glass door, and a window of Kukui Grove businesses while the mall was still open on Dec. 20, 2012. She was confronted by police and arrested without injury to herself or others.
Lewis faces felony second and misdemeanor third-degree criminal property damage charges, and an attempted first-degree criminal property damage charge that is a class B felony with a maximum possible 10 year prison term.
