Man convicted of Kauai killing to serve 45 years

Man convicted of Kauai killing to serve 45 years

LIHUE, Hawaii — A man convicted of killing his girlfriend’s father on Kauai in 2000 must serve at least 45 years of his life sentence.

The Hawaii Paroling Authority last week issued an order setting Matthew Blankswade’s minimum term to expire on June 26, 2045.

Blankswade pleaded no contest to second-degree murder. Prosecutors say he broke into Jeffrey Brisebois’ Wainiha home and used a stolen shotgun to kill him as he slept.

He initially denied any involvement but confessed after failing a polygraph test. He told police his girlfriend planned the murder and watched him shot her father. Blankswade said his girlfriend wanted Brisebois dead so she and her friends could live in his house.

Since he was 21 at the time of the murder, Blankswade would be 66 years old before he’s eligible for release.

At a parole hearing last month, Blankswade appeared by video from Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona, where he’s incarcerated. Kauai Prosecuting Attorney Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho argued before the board that the murder was premeditated. She said he prepared himself by stealing guns and practicing shooting in the days leading up to the killing. Then, dressed in camouflage during the early morning, he broke into the victim’s remote home and shot him in the head at close range, she said.

Court-appointed attorney Don Wilkerson said his client was remorseful and noted his lack of criminal record and participation in college courses while incarcerated, according to a release from Iseri-Carvalho’s office.

“We’re extremely pleased with the paroling authority’s decision in this horrendous case,” Iseri-Carvalho said. “We hope the extended sentence will provide relief and comfort for Brisebois’ family after this senseless tragedy.”