Posted at 12:26 p.m., Tuesday, January 20, 2004
Charges filed in Makaha hit-and-run death
By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer
Justin Jarrett was charged Saturday and arraigned today in District Court. His bail is $25,000.
Jarrett is accused of driving a Plymouth Voyager van that struck 18-year-old Joshua K. Diaz as he was walking on Farrington Highway near Lawai'a Street. Diaz was left lying on the roadway and was run over by another car at 9:25 p.m.
The car’s driver called 911. Diaz died at the Wai'anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center at 10:09 p.m.
Vehicular homicide officers had requested assistance from homicide investigators last week because of unconfirmed reports that Jarrett and Diaz had been arguing at a beach park, police said. Diaz is related to Jarret’s girlfriend, police said. But investigators subsequently confirmed that Jarrett and Diaz had not been arguing and the case was referred back to traffic investigators.
Jarrett left his van parked at Kea'au Beach Park, where it was found by police. After consulting with relatives, Jarrett voluntarily surrendered to police at the Kapolei station Friday.
Second-degree negligent homicide involves reckless driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not a major factor. The failure-to-render-aid charge is for leaving the scene of an accident.
