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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, January 25, 2008

Enhanced charges sought for 'ice addict'

 •  Hundreds pay respects to slain toddler

By Dan Nakaso
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Matthew M. Higa

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Matthew M. Higa, the man accused of throwing a toddler from an H-1 Freeway overpass last week, is an "ice addict" with possible untreated and undiagnosed mental problems, said deputy prosecutor Rom Trader.

Trader spoke yesterday after Higa was indicted by an O'ahu grand jury on a single count of murder in the second degree.

Because Cyrus Belt was just 23 months old, prosecutors sought an enhancement of the charges that could bring a life sentence without the possibility of parole for Higa, rather than life with the chance of parole.

Circuit Court Judge Derrick Chan set bail at $1 million.

"This is a particularly egregious case as we know ... that has clearly devastated the community and gotten everyone's attention," Trader said.

"We'll do everything possible to make sure Cyrus Belt's death was not in vain."

Reach Dan Nakaso at dnakaso@honoluluadvertiser.com.