Store owner's killer gets life sentence
By David Waite
Advertiser Courts Writer
A Kane'ohe man was sentenced yesterday to life in prison with the possibility of parole for the 2000 Christmas Eve shooting death of convenience store owner Song Chol Marshall.
In addition, Eric Vance was sentenced to 20 years for first-degree robbery, two 10-year terms for being a felon in possession of a firearm and five years for vehicle theft.
Eric Vance was ordered to serve at least 20 years for his murder conviction.
Vance, 33, was ordered to serve at least 20 years for the murder conviction and 15 years of the 20-year robbery sentence because he used a semi-automatic firearm in those crimes.
City deputy prosecutor Lori Wada, who handled the case against Vance, said all of Vance's prison terms will run concurrently.
Marshall, 45, was shot in the head while walking toward his van after closing up Angie's Market on Kane'ohe Bay Drive at about 10:45 p.m.
His body was found Christmas Day in a trash bin near a plate lunch restaurant in Waimanalo.
Vance was one of five men charged in the crime and the only one to be charged with murder.
Three others charged in the case — James Hoapili, Albert Hoapili Jr. and Sheldon Barques — pleaded guilty to second-degree robbery charges and are to be sentenced later this year to 10-year prison terms, according to a plea agreement.
Gabriel Apilando pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery and faces a 20-year prison term when he is sentenced.
Reach David Waite at 525-8030 or dwaite@honoluluadvertiser.com.
