Kahuku farmer pleads not guilty in shooting
Advertiser Staff
A Kahuku farmer pleaded not guilty yesterday in the murder of a man whose body was found on Malaekahana Valley Road Sept. 7.
Circuit Judge Richard Perkins scheduled Khamxath Baccam's trial for the week of Dec. 27.
Baccam
Baccam, who is free on $25,000 bail, is accused of firing a shotgun blast that killed Marcelino Pacheco Jr., 38, who was struck by the pellets in his legs and thigh. Pacheco bled to death from a pellet that tore his femoral artery in his left thigh, according to the city medical examiner's office.
Baccam is charged with murder and a related firearms count.
Todd Eddins, Baccam's lawyer, yesterday said he still intends to raise the issue of self-defense against the charges.
According to Eddins, Baccam feared for his life and wanted to protect himself from a thief who was high on crystal methamphetamine.
Baccam, who turned himself in at the Wahiawa police station, has drawn the support of other farmers, who have been trying to raise money for his defense fund.
