Slaying suspect ruled fit for trial

Advertiser Staff

A federal judge yesterday ruled that a man accused of murdering a Big Island park ranger in 1999 is mentally competent to stand trial.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Sorenson said U.S. District Judge Susan Mollway found that Eugene Frederick Boyce III is able to assist in his defense. Boyce was charged in the Dec. 12, 1999, shooting of park ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell, 47, at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park.

Boyce, now 34, was described as a drifter at the time of the incident.

The trial is to begin Aug. 3.