A Molokai man has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend, Amie Kaholoa'a, dating back to 2022. Mariano Garces, 61, stands convicted of the killing, which took place in Kaunakakai, a somber exception to the island's rare bout with such severe crime. According to an article by Hawaii News Now, the verdict was handed down by jurors after roughly five hours of deliberation on Wednesday morning.
Garces is now facing a life sentence with the possibility of parole for his actions that fatally ended in the death of 43-year-old Kaholoa'a. Deputy Prosecutor Ryan Teshima, as quoted by Hawaii News Now, expressed relief to justly be able to serve the family of the victim: "We are happy that we were able to get justice for Amie and her family," said Teshima. "This was definitely a team effort, an office-wide effort. So we’re happy that we were able to fulfill our mission and bring justice and get justice for Amie."
Garces's sentencing has been set for September 26, marking the close of a harrowing case for the community. Evidence presented in court showed that prior to her death, Kaholoa'a had filed a petition for a temporary restraining order for alleged domestic abuse. The prosecutor claimed that the violence by Garces "escalated his violence" leading to the tragic end. "The defendant ... escalated his intent, from wanting to punish Amie, to knowing that he was going to cause Amie’s death,” Teshima was reported stating in the courtroom by Hawaii News Now.
Defense attorney Brandon Segal, however, has indicated potential plans to appeal, maintaining his client's actions were tragically reckless rather than intentional. Segal was quoted by Hawaii News Now saying, "My client did some terrible things to Amie, but he never wanted her to die." Segal further stated, "My client is evaluating all of his options, including his right to appeal. We believe the correct charge in this matter should have been based on reckless, not intentional conduct." The last registered murder on Molokai prior to this case was in 2014, as noted by KHON2, reflecting the unusual nature of such grievous incidents on the island.
Molokai's police force had been called to a possible murder on the evening of November 19, 2022, and discovered Kaholoa'a's body upon arrival. Garces was arrested the following day at his residence. The community now awaits the final chapter of this case to conclude with Garces's sentencing later this year.
