A trial date has been set for a 28-year-old Ocean View man facing multiple felonies stemming from a 2010 crash that killed a 26-year-old woman. A trial date has been set for a 28-year-old Ocean View man facing multiple felonies
A trial date has been set for a 28-year-old Ocean View man facing multiple felonies stemming from a 2010 crash that killed a 26-year-old woman.
Robert W. Smith Jr. is slated to go on trial at 9 a.m. Dec. 11 before 3rd Circuit Court Chief Judge Ronald Ibarra in Kealakekua. He faces charges of manslaughter, first-degree negligent homicide, two counts of first-degree negligent injury, two counts of second-degree assault and one count of habitually driving under the influence of an intoxicant stemming from the Aug. 1, 2010, crash that killed Stella Corona.
Smith, on Aug. 8, entered a not guilty plea to the seven charges — all felonies.
Corona was the driver of a northbound 1999 Saturn four-door sedan carrying two passengers that was apparently struck by a southbound 2007 Honda two-door sedan driven by Smith.
According to police, Smith had crossed the center line on Hawaii Belt Road, near mile marker 88, and collided with Corona’s car.
Corona died at the scene of the crash. Her two passengers were transported to Kona Community Hospital.
Smith was arrested on multiple charges and later released pending further investigation.
Prosecutors received the case in November 2010. An indictment was handed down by a Kona grand jury in mid-July.
Corona, employed by the University of Hawaii Center at West Hawaii, was an outreach coordinator who helped facilitate summer programs and classes for middle and high school students in West Hawaii.
