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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, August 28, 2009

Stabbing suspect fit for trial


Advertiser Staff

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Benjamin Davis

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The man accused of stabbing two hikers on Koko Crater trail earlier this year has been found mentally fit for trial.

Benjamin Davis, 19, of Kalihi, is charged with attempted murder in the separate attacks.

Deputy prosecutor Kristina Yoo said Circuit Judge Michael Town found Davis fit for trial and scheduled the case to begin Feb. 8.

Davis allegedly stabbed hikers Nicholas Iwamoto and Guy Tanaka on the stairs of the East Honolulu landmark Feb. 1.

Iwamoto was hospitalized for nearly a month after he was stabbed 18 times and fell into a ravine. He suffered a broken neck, fractured skull, broken leg and lacerations to his liver and diaphragm.

Tanaka was stabbed in the back with a knife with a 4- to 5-inch blade.

Police said they found Davis naked in a tree after searching the area for several hours.

Police said the attacks were unprovoked.

Friends of the defendant said they were mystified by Davis' alleged behavior, describing him as a gentle and quiet amateur musician.

Davis is charged with attempted first-degree murder because two or more victims were involved. If convicted of that, he would face life in prison without parole.