Judge rejects Pali shooting suspect's request
By David Waite
Advertiser Courts Writer
Circuit Judge Michael Town yesterday rejected a request by one of three men charged with first-degree murder in connection with a Jan. 7 shooting at the Pali Golf Course to be allowed to live with his longtime girlfriend on the Big Island while awaiting trial.
Instead, Ethan "Malu" Motta, must stay at his parents' house on Todd Avenue in Hilo.
Ethan "Malu" Motta was not allowed to live with his girlfriend on the Big Island while awaiting trial.
A company called Bail Hawaii posted a $1 million bond on Motta's behalf last week, and he was released from custody to await trial, which is set for the week of Oct. 18.
Motta, 34, Kevin Gonsalves, 33, and Rodney Joseph, 35, face charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder and firearms offenses in connection with the shooting deaths of Lepo Utu Taliese, 44, and Romilius Corpuz, 40.
A third man, Tinoimalu Sao, 42, was shot in the head and was reported by police to be in critical condition at The Queen's Medical Center since the shooting.
Police have said a power struggle between two factions that provide security for O'ahu's illegal gambling houses led to the shooting.
Reach David Waite at 525-8030 or at dwaite@honoluluadvertiser.com.
