A judge increased the bail Thursday for a 32-year-old Volcano man accused of fatally shooting a neighbor Monday.
At the initial appearance Thursday for Daris Paul Pacheco, Hilo District Judge Kanani Laubach raised Pacheco’s bail from $411,000 to $2 million.
Pacheco, accused of the slaying of Jay Allen Freeman with a gunshot to the chest, is charged with second-degree murder, burglary of a dwelling during an emergency period, first-degree terroristic threatening, promotion of a dangerous drug, marijuana possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, use of a firearm in the commission of a separate felony, and seven other firearms offenses.
Deputy Prosecutor Andrew Son filed a motion to have Pacheco held without bail, which he asked the judge to hear Thursday.
Pacheco’s newly appointed lawyer, Stanton Oshiro, objected and asked for at least 48 hours before a hearing on such a motion, saying he was “given absolutely no opportunity to respond, whether … in writing or reading the file.”
“There’s references to pre-existing cases. I’m not aware of those other cases. I don’t know who represents Mr. Pacheco in those,” Oshiro said. “So, at a minimum, Judge, I need additional time to prepare for and potentially refute the allegations contained within the motion to hold without bail.”
Son argued “a 48-hour delay would be a concern to public safety,” describing the shooting as a daytime execution.
“There’s also a possibility of other victims that might be at risk. Although the bail is set at $411,000, it is not enough to protect public safety,” Son told the judge.
Laubach raised Pacheco’s bail to $2 million and ordered him to return to court at 2 p.m. Monday for a preliminary hearing.
See Friday’s Tribune-Herald for a more detailed story.