Military murder case sent to commander
By William Cole
Advertiser Military Writer
A Marine Corps investigator has forwarded to higher command his recommendations in the case of a Pearl Harbor sailor accused of murdering his wife and mother-in-law on June 10.
Hull Technician 2nd Class David A. DeArmond was accused of killing Zaleha DeArmond and her mother, Saniah B. Abdul Ghani, who was visiting from Singapore. Maj. Michael Mori was the investigating officer during an Article 32 hearing last month, similar to a civilian grand jury investigation.
Hull Technician 2nd Class David A. DeArmond is being held at the Ford Island brig.
"His report is in hand, and Rear Adm. (Robert T.) Conway's staff judge advocate is reviewing it," said Lt. Cmdr. Jane Campbell, a spokeswoman for Navy Region Hawai'i.
Campbell said she could not discuss Mori's recommendation, including whether the death penalty will be sought.
It will be up to Conway, commander of Navy Region Hawai'i and of Naval Surface Group, Middle Pacific, to decide what charges DeArmond could face at court-martial.
Campbell said there is no deadline, but Conway is expected to make a decision early next year.
DeArmond was charged with the two murders, raping his wife and impeding an investigation by destroying, moving and tampering with evidence.
Zaleha DeArmond died from a blow to the head with an iron skillet at Hokulani subdivision military housing, officials said, and her mother was stabbed to death. Co-workers and supervisors testified at the Article 32 hearing that DeArmond feared his wife was planning to leave him and take their three young children to Singapore.
He is being held at the Ford Island brig. His military lawyers have not commented on the case.
Reach William Cole at wcole@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-5459.
