Accused gang leader sentenced

By William Cole
Advertiser Staff Writer

The accused leader of an 'Ewa Beach youth gang was sentenced yesterday to 15 years to life in prison for what prosecutors said was a gang-related shooting in 1999.

Edwin Kim, 24, was found guilty of murder and related firearms charges in October for firing a shot that went through the trunk of another car and struck Gercel Ong, 21, early on the morning of Nov. 20, 1999, in 'Ewa Beach.

The driver of the car Kim was in said Kim was "aiming at the head," city Deputy Prosecutor Eric Sacks said.

Kim has 30 days to file an appeal, but defense attorney Keith Shigetomi said a decision hasn't been made.

Kim believed a rival Waipahu gang was invading his turf and members had earlier thrown rocks at his car, but Sacks said Ong and his companions were not gang members, although one was a former gang member.

Sacks said it wasn't the first time Kim had chased someone with a car.

In 1998 Kim stopped a car, punched a man and pointed a gun at his head, Sacks said. The difference then, the prosecutor said, was that Kim didn't kill anyone.

"The defendant, in his short time as an adult, has behaved as a predator. He tracks people down and he either injures them or he kills them," Sacks said, calling Kim a "serious danger to the community."

Kim's probation on the 1998 case was revoked, and Sacks asked Circuit Judge Sandra Simms for a five-year term consecutive to the life sentence, which carries the possibility of parole, and the 15-year minimum for use of a firearm.

Simms ordered Kim to serve the 15-year minimum, but not the consecutive term. Shigetomi opposed the consecutive sentence, saying his client likely will receive a high minimum prison term from the parole board, and the five years wouldn't make a significant difference.

Ong's mother, aunt, grandmother and stepfather were present for the sentencing. Asked by Simms if she wanted to say anything, Ong's mother, Rosa C. Gacho, said through tears, "I don't know what to say because I'm all in pain, so I just depend everything on you, your honor."

Shigetomi said Kim has changed, and has become more humble and polite. While in jail Kim married his girlfriend, with whom he has children, ages 2 and 4, and is working toward his GED, Shigetomi said.

Kim told the family he was sorry.

"I know it won't bring back your son, but I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me," Kim said.