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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 6:07 p.m., Monday, October 6, 2008

Kailua man to be tried for pedestrian's death

By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Thomas Terry Copeland II

Courtesy Hawai‘i Criminal Justice Data Center

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A Kailua man was arraigned today in Circuit Court on a first-degree negligent homicide charge in connection with the death of a pedestrian in Windward O'ahu in January.

Thomas Terry Copeland II, 38, of a Maluniu Avenue address, surrendered to police yesterday in Kane'ohe at 6:30 p.m. in response to a $50,000 arrest warrant issued Sept. 23 after his indictment by a grand jury.

Trial is scheduled to start the week of Dec. 8.

Copeland was the driver of a Geo Metro which struck jaywalking pedestrian Paena Magarro, 69, on Kailua Road and Ulumanu Drive at 5:18 a.m. on Jan. 11. Magarro died at Castle Medical Center at 5:49 a.m.

Vehicular homicide investigators said speed and alcohol or drugs appeared to be contributing factors for the collision.

Copeland was also indicted Sept. 23 for driving without insurance.

In November 2003, Copeland was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, a petty misdemeanor. He was fined $150.

Later, Copeland was convicted of misdemeanor abuse of a family member and 10 offenses related to violating a temporary restraining order in March 2005.

If convicted of first-degree negligent homicide, Copeland could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.