A Hilo man accused of stabbing his grandparents to death in January is scheduled to appear in court Thursday.
Joshua Ho will appear before 3rd Circuit Chief Judge Robert Kim in Kona via video from the Hawaii State Hospital in Kaneohe, Oahu. Ho, who was 21 when the fatal attack on Jeffrey and Carla Takamine — both 68 and the owners of Big Island Delights — occurred, was found unfit to stand trial on June 1.
Ho reportedly suffers from schizophrenia. He was living in the family’s Panaewa home, where the early morning attack on the Takamines took place.
Thursday’s hearing, which was continued from Sept. 7, is for a review of Ho’s treatment thus far and his progress.
According to court minutes, Ho was described on that date as cooperative and participating in his treatment program, but was exhibiting what was described as “negative signs.” The court minutes did not elaborate.
Kim received a letter dated Dec. 12 from HSH psychologist Meghan McBrearty. The document is sealed and not in the public record.
Kim is presiding over Ho’s case because both Hilo Circuit Court judges, Henry Nakamoto and Peter Kubota, recused themselves from hearing the case.
Ho was charged with first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, and a single count of attempted second-degree murder.
The first-degree murder charge, which is relatively rare in Hawaii, is because there were multiple homicide victims. The charge, upon conviction, carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
The victim pertaining to the attempted murder charge is Ho’s 28-year-old brother, Kaulana Ho, who suffered stab wounds to his head and ribs, allegedly in an attempt to disarm his younger brother of a knife. Kaulana Ho was treated for his injuries at the Hilo Medical Center emergency room and released.
The finding of unfitness, however, puts a halt to criminal proceedings against Joshua Ho, unless and until he is found fit.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.