A 24-year-old Kona man facing multiple counts of murder and attempted murder in connection with the discovery of two bodies in the last month in Kailua-Kona and a pair of stabbings in Hilo has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
Court-appointed attorney Andrew Kennedy motioned for the mental evaluation Monday afternoon based on statements his client, Chito Asuncion, made to Hawaii Police Department Detective Tyler Prokopec after Asuncion’s arrest following the stabbing death of a 48-year-old Kailua-Kona man who’s body was found around 6 a.m. June 7 at Hale Halawai Park in Kailua Village.
Kennedy asked for a suspension of proceedings based on the nature of the allegations and Asuncion’s declaration to Prokopec that he was “killing homeless so that they could go to a better place, whether that be heaven or hell.”
Kennedy asserted his client did not know he fully understood the consequences of his action. He also denied any previous mental health history.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chase Murray had no objection to the motion for a mental fitness hearing.
Per Diem District Court Judge Joseph Florendo subsequently granted the defense request. A panel of three psychiatrists will evaluate Asuncion to determine if he is fit to stand trial. Their reports will be reviewed on July 20.
Asuncion is facing two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of attempted second-degree murder and one count first-degree murder in connection with the series of stabbings in East and West Hawaii that began May 17. The first-degree murder was added because Asuncion is alleged to have killed more than one person.
Asuncion was arrested June 7 in Kailua-Kona after Hawaii Police Department investigators identified the 24-year-old as a suspect in the murder of a 48-year-old Boyd Maygra, who’s body was found around 6 a.m. that morning at Hale Halawai Park in Kailua Village. Police said Maygra suffered multiple stab wounds.
While conducting the investigation into Maygra’s slaying, detectives linked Asuncion to three other crimes, including the alleged murder of 63-year-old Kailua-Kona man Brian Macaulay on May 17.
Macaulay’s body was found that morning behind the Kailua-Kona Post Office, near the Palani Road and Queen Kaahumanu Highway intersection. Police said Macaulay was also stabbed to death.
Asuncion is also accused of two stabbings in May in Hilo.
The first Hilo incident was reported May 25 by a 59-year-old Hilo man who reported being stabbed by an unknown male party. The victim was transported to the Hilo Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries and later released.
The second Hilo stabbing occurred May 30. That incident involved the assault of a 70-year-old Hilo woman who also reported being stabbed by an unknown individual. She was also transported to the Hilo Medical Center for treatment and was still receiving treatment Monday.
Asuncion is being held at Hawaii Community Correctional Center in lieu of $1.5 million bail. A motion filed by prosecutor’s to Asuncion him without bail will be heard June 27.
If convicted of first-degree murder, Asuncion faces life behind bars without the possibility of parole.
Anyone with information relative to the cases should call the department’s nonemergency number at (808) 935-3311, or Detective Tyler Prokopec of the Area II Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 326-4646, ext. 224, or email Tyler.Prokopec@hawaiicounty.gov.
Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.