KAILUA-KONA — Attorneys are expected to deliver closing arguments Tuesday morning in the trial of three people accused of aiding Justin Waiki in the days after he fatally shot a Hawaii Police Department officer on July 17, 2018.
Hawaii County prosecutors wrapped up their case Wednesday after bringing to the stand four dozen witnesses throughout 18 days. Attorneys for Krystle Ferreira, Malia Lajala and Jorge Pagan-Torres presented no witnesses.
Closing arguments from prosecutors and the three attorneys are expected Tuesday after Kona Circuit Judge Robert D.S. Kim gives the jury instructions. Trial opened Sept. 25 following two weeks of jury selection.
Ferreira, Lajala and Pagan-Torres are each charged with two counts of first-degree hindering prosecution and first-degree attempted murder. Ferreira is free on $100,000 bail while Lajala and Pagan-Torres remain in custody at Hawaii Community Correctional Center in lieu of $1 million bail each.
The three, along with a fourth person, Jamie Jason, were in a vehicle with Waiki when police tracked the man down three days after he shot and killed Officer Bronson Kaliloa on the side of Highway 11 in Puna. Waiki was killed in an exchange of bullets on South Point Road during which an officer suffered nonfatal gunshot wounds.
Prosecutors say the defendants were among a network of loyal friends of Waiki who intentionally helped the man on the lam.
Attorneys for Ferreira and Pagan-Torres argue their clients were not previously connected to Waiki and were scared for their lives, while counsel for Lajala stated his client was working to get the wanted man to turn himself in to police.
Jason is being tried separately. She faces two counts of first-degree hindering prosecution, first-degree attempted murder and place to keep pistol or revolver, and two firearms offenses, ownership or possession prohibited fugitive. She remains in custody in lieu of $100,000 bail at HCCC.
Three others were also charged in connection with the case; Kiel Brende and Mokihana Veincent pleaded out and were sentenced, while Taumi Carr awaits trial. Carr is free on $25,000 bail.
Email Chelsea Jensen at cjensen@westhawaiitoday.com.
