HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR082619JuryfindsmanguiltyofmanslaughterinKapaacollisionF� OF
THE COUNTY OF KAUA'I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
qa 4 MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
OF
News Release
For Immediate Release: August 26, 2019
OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
JUSTIN F. KOLLAR, PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
Tel (808) 241-1888
Fax (808) 241-1758
Jury finds man guilty of manslaughter in Kapa`a collision
LIHU`E — Prosecuting Attorney Justin F. Kollar announced that a Fifth Circuit Jury today
found Cody Safadago, 48, formerly of California and Washington, guilty as charged on all
counts following a two -week long jury trial concerning the fatal collision involving Kayla Huddy-
Lemn.
According to witness testimony and other evidence presented, on the night of April 27,
2017, Safadago stole a truck in Kapa`a and drove south on Kuhio Highway at speeds estimated
at 88 miles per hour while weaving in and out of traffic. He struck, Kayla Huddy-Lemn's car
head-on between the Kapa`a Bypass and Lanikai Street. Kayla Huddy-Lemn was 19 years old
and died at the scene. Safadago was arrested while fleeing the scene on foot, after a brief
struggle.
The jury deliberated for an afternoon before finding Safadago guilty of Manslaughter,
Accidents Involving Death or Serious Bodily Injury (fleeing the scene of the collision),
Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle, Resisting Arrest, Operating a Vehicle Under the
Influence of an Intoxicant, Reckless Driving, Inattention to Driving, and Driving Without a Valid
Driver's License.
Fifth Circuit Chief Judge Randal Valenciano presided over the trial. Deputy Prosecuting
Attorney Sean Van Demark and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney H. Ramsey Ross represented the
State at trial. Court -appointed defense counsel Emmanuel Guerrero represented Safadago.
In this case, Safadago was charged and prosecuted as a multiple offender. The Jury
found that for the felony counts, extended terms of imprisonment are necessary for the
protection of the public. Safadago faces a possible indeterminate sentence of life in prison for
Manslaughter, up to 20 years in prison for Accidents Involving Death or Serious Bodily Injury,
and up to 10 years for Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle.
The lead Investigator in the case was Officer Shawn Hanna of the Kauai 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 Kayla Huddy-
Lemn as we continue to mourn the taking of her life. People on Kauai have a right to feel safe
on their roadways and the conduct Safadago engaged in is simply unacceptable. Thanks are
due to Sean Van Demark and Ramsey Ross, who put in countless hours preparing this difficult
case for trial, along with Victim/Witness Counselor Marla Torres Lam and Officer Hanna. Thank
you to everyone else who worked tirelessly on this case, and putting your hearts and souls into
securing today's verdict."
Safadago will be sentenced on November 21, 2019.