The suspected drunk driver in a negligent homicide case that occurred in Kailua in January is appearing in circuit court at 8:30 this morning.

Thomas Terry Copeland II was arrested at 5:50 a.m. yesterday at 550 Maluniu Ave. on one count of negligent homicide in the death of 69-year-old Paena Magarro, two counts of contempt and having a suspended or revoked license. He was held on $50,000 bail overnight on the negligent homicide charge.

Copeland is the alleged driver of a white compact car that struck Margarro at 5:18 a.m. on Jan. 11 while she was crossing Kailua Road. Margarro, who was not in a crosswalk, died at Castle Medical Center at 5:49 a.m. on the same day.

Her family said she was hurrying to catch a bus to Waikiki for her housekeeping job when she was struck by the Kailua-bound vehicle.

Police said the accident happened 35 feet north of Ulumanu Drive, near the Tesoro gas station, in an area lit by street lamps, police said.

According to Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center records, Copeland has a November 2003 conviction for driving under the influence of an intoxicant, nine misdemeanor convictions for violating temporary restraining orders, one for violating a protective order, and one for abuse of a family member.