LIHUE, Kauai — A man extradited back to Kauai to face a murder charge in a shooting death could receive enhanced sentencing because of the victim’s age. ADVERTISING LIHUE, Kauai — A man extradited back to Kauai to face a
LIHUE, Kauai — A man extradited back to Kauai to face a murder charge in a shooting death could receive enhanced sentencing because of the victim’s age.
If Giovanni Lictawa Corpuz is convicted of second-degree murder and carrying or using a firearm in the commission of a separate felony, he faces two possible extended sentencing possibilities for inflicting serious injury on a person 60 years old or older, and for committing multiple felonies in the same case, the Garden Island reported Wednesday.
Amby Cruz, 88, was found shot in the head in his Omao home on New Year’s Day. Firefighters responding to a medical call found Cruz unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at a hospital. Police said an autopsy determined he was shot once in the head.
His family and friends attended Corpuz’s arraignment in 5th Circuit Court on Tuesday, which was postponed from last week because he needed an Ilocano interpreter.
Police said Corpuz was arrested while traveling to his native Philippines. He was detained while changing planes in Taiwan on Jan. 10.
“We are here today to see what the outcome is for his trial date and his plea so that we can move forward with justice for my dad,” said Cruz’s son, Anthony Cruz. “We have friends and family here to support, and everyone is trying to stay strong to get through this.”
Those who attended in support of Cruz wore T-shirts bearing his name.
Chief Judge Randal Valenciano scheduled trial for April 21.
Corpuz, 41, of Koloa, is being held without bail, pending a bail study.
