LIHUE — Prosecuting Attorney Justin F. Kollar announced that Koma Kekoa Texeira Jr., 21, formerly of Waimea, was sentenced Thursday to serve a life sentence in prison for the 2016 murder of Jon Togioka.
LIHUE — Prosecuting Attorney Justin F. Kollar announced that Koma Kekoa Texeira Jr., 21, formerly of Waimea, was sentenced Thursday to serve a life sentence in prison for the 2016 murder of Jon Togioka.
Fifth Circuit Chief Judge Randal G. B. Valenciano handed down the sentence. Texeira was found guilty following a two-week jury trial in March of this year.
“We cannot bring Jon back, but we can ensure justice for his ohana,” Kollar said.
Texeira was sentenced on three charges: murder in the second degree, use of a firearm in the commission of a separate felony, and prohibited possession of firearm or ammunition.
Because Texeira was convicted of multiple felonies, he was eligible for enhanced sentencing. Judge Valenciano imposed those enhanced sentences as to two charges, including a sentence of life with the possibility of parole on the use of firearm charge and a 10-year prison sentence as to the possession charge. Texeira was also sentenced to life with the possibility of parole on the murder charge.
According to witness testimony and evidence presented at trial, Texeira shot and killed Togioka execution-style in the late-night hours of Oct. 31, 2016, in a deserted area near Burns Field in Hanapepe. Texeira was apprehended on the morning of Nov. 5, 2016.
Texeira’s co-defendant, Clayton Kona, was sentenced earlier this year to a five-year prison sentence for his role in assisting Texeira by hiding the gun used in the murder.
The case was prosecuted by First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jennifer S. Winn and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sean Van Demark. The Kauai Police Department’s Detective Christopher Calio was the lead investigator.
“Throughout this entire process our thoughts have remained with the family and friends of Jon Togioka,” Kollar said. “We are grateful for the hard work of Detective Calio and everyone at KPD who assisted with investigating this truly senseless murder, as well as our Victim/Witness staff, for bringing this complex case to a successful resolution.”
