More information sought on defendant's competency
By David Waite
Advertiser Courts Writer
Federal Magistrate Judge Barry Kurren has asked for additional information before deciding whether a man accused of killing a national park ranger on the Big Island in 1999 is mentally fit to stand trial.
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At an all-day hearing yesterday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson argued that evaluations by the government's mental health experts indicate that Eugene Frederick Boyce III is competent to stand trial on a charge of killing Steve Makuakane-Jarrell, 47, at the Kaloko-Honakohau National Historic Park on Dec. 12, 1999.
According to his lawyer, Eugene Frederick Boyce III is not capable of standing trial.
But federal Public Defender Peter Wolff said Boyce, 32, is not capable of contributing to his own defense.
Kurren yesterday took the matter under advisement and gave each side until Jan. 15 to file additional information.
Makuakane-Jarrell had gone to investigate a complaint about Boyce's three dogs and was shot in the arm and head.
