A 21-year-old Nanakuli man must now stand trial on a manslaughter charge of punching a North Carolina man and recklessly killing him.

Less Schnabel Jr. was indicted by the O'ahu grand jury yesterday on the manslaughter charge that he killed Christopher Reuther by striking him at a Nanakuli beach April 22.

Reuther, 34, died two days later from head injuries, according to the autopsy report.

Reuther, who was offered enrollment at the University of Hawai'i law school, came here earlier in the day, went to a lu'au on the Leeward Coast, looked for a place to camp and ended up at the beach park.

City Deputy Prosecutor Vickie Kapp told Circuit Judge Derrick Chan that Schnabel "false cracked" Reuther with an unprovoked punch, then took a bag from the victim's car. After listening to Kapp, Chan confirmed the bail for Schnabel at $100,000.

Schnabel, who remains in custody, was also indicted on a charge of unlawfully entering the car.

Manslaughter carries a prison term of up to 20 years. The unlawful entry charge carries up to five years in prison.

Jack Tonaki, state public defender whose office represents Schnabel, yesterday said it was too early to comment. He said the office at this time doesn't have enough background about the case.

Schnabel is scheduled to be arraigned later, at which time he is expected to plead not guilty.

Reach Ken Kobayashi at kkobayashi@honoluluadvertiser.com.