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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 12:37 p.m., Friday, April 11, 2008

Deliberations begin in Lankford murder trial

Advertiser Staff

Jurors in the Kirk Lankford murder trial kicked off deliberations today.

Lankford is accused of killing 21-year-old Masumi Watanabe, a Japanese national, on April 12, 2007.

The 12-member jury must come to a unanimous decision.

Circuit Court Judge Karl Sakamoto told jurors to consider three different alternatives for finding Lankford guilty: murder by commission, or intentionally killing someone; murder by omission, or failing to help someone at the scene of the crime and knowing that without help they will die; or manslaughter.

Opening statements in the Lankford case began March 4.

To mark the one-year anniversary since Watanabe was killed, her parents, friends and others will gather at Kawaiaha'o Church tomorrow morning. The memorial service will start at 10 a.m. at the church, 957 Punchbowl St. The public is invited.