Posted at 1:12 p.m., Thursday, April 5, 2001

Man convicted in 'Ewa Beach birthday party killing

Advertiser Staff

A Circuit Court jury today convicted Joel Keoni Brunson of murder and related charges in the shooting of a teenager at an Ewa Beach birthday party May 20.

Brunson, 18, now faces a mandatory life in prison with parole when he is sentenced June 6 by Circuit Judge Michael Town.

Brunson was convicted of murdering Robert Rodemio, 18, and related firearm charges.

During the trial, a prosecution witness said he was two feet away when Brunson fired a gun at the victim, but the defense maintained that the witness repeatedly lied and that Brunson left the party before the shooting occurred.

The jurors, however, rejected the defense and convicted Brunson of all charges.