HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR032918Juryfindsmanguiltyinsaltpondmurdercase04,
BERNARD P. CARVALHO JR.WALLACE G. REZENTES JR.
Mayor Managing Director
COUNTY OF KAUA'I
OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
News Release
For Immediate Release: March 29, 2018
JUSTIN KOLLAR, PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
Tel (808) 241-1888
Fax (808) 241-1758
Jury finds man guilty in Salt Pond murder case
LIHU`E — Prosecuting Attorney Justin F. Kollar announced that a Fifth Circuit Jury on
Thursday found Koma Kekoa Texeira Jr., 21, formerly of Waimea, guilty as charged on all counts
following a two -week-long jury trial concerning the murder of Jon Togioka.
According to witness testimony and other evidence presented, on October 31, 2016,
Texeira drove to the Burns Field area in Hanapepe and fatally shot Togioka.
The jury deliberated for about four hours before finding Texeira guilty of Murder in the
Second Degree, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Separate Felony, and two counts of
Prohibited Possession of Firearms or Ammunition.
Fifth Circuit Chief Judge Randal Valenciano presided over the trial. First Deputy
Prosecuting Attorney Jennifer S. Winn and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sean Van Demark
represented the State at trial. Court -appointed defense counsel Craig A. De Costa and Michelle
Premeaux represented Texeira.
Pending an extended -term hearing to occur on Monday in Circuit Court, Texeira faces a
possible mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The lead detective in the case was Det. Christoper Calio of the Kaua'i Police Department.
Prosecuting Attorney Justin F. Kollar thanked all involved with the case.
"Justice prevailed today. Our thoughts and aloha remain with the friends and 'ohana of
Jon Togioka," said Kollar. "Thanks are due to Jennifer Winn and Sean Van Demark, who put in
countless hours preparing this difficult case for trial. Along with VictimMitness Counselor Anne
Soriano and Detective Calio, as well as everyone else who worked on this case, they put their
hearts and souls into securing today's verdict."
Texeira will be sentenced on July 5, 2018.
Koma Kekoa Texeira Jr., age 21