LIHUE — An 83-Year-old Kalaheo man charged with using a gun to threaten officers attempting to serve a warrant in a first-degree negligent homicide case will have mental fitness for trial evaluations in both matters. The defendant, Robert Wayne Yount,
LIHUE — An 83-Year-old Kalaheo man charged with using a gun to threaten officers attempting to serve a warrant in a first-degree negligent homicide case will have mental fitness for trial evaluations in both matters.
The defendant, Robert Wayne Yount, was in custody for his arraignment hearing in 5th Circuit Court on Thursday. He was charged with attempted first-degree murder and four counts of first-degree terroristic threatening of Kauai police officers attempting to serve a warrant on a separate indictment in November.
The motion for fitness requested a panel of experts to determine if Yount is competent to stand trial, along with a determination of capacity and state of mind at the time of the offense.
All criminal proceedings for trial will be suspended pending the outcome of the hearing on the fitness to proceed report on Jan. 30.
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Melinda Mendes asked to court to increase or refuse bail. She said Yount is facing possible life-term sentences and is a potential flight risk.
Pending a bail study, Judge Randal Valenciano kept Yount in a no-bail status for the new case. The defendant has been held without bail since his arrest in November.
At one point Yount asked to make a statement but his attorney spoke to him and he did not continue.
Yount was apparently in possession of a semi-automatic firearm when he threatened the officers. Other charges include carrying or using a firearm in the commission of a separate felony and permit related offenses.
Yount is accused of driving the vehicle that struck and killed 26-year-old Waimea resident Jill Garnett as she walked along Kaumualii Highway in Puhi on March 16, 2013.
The trial date in that case is March 3.
The trial date for the new case is April 4.
