KEALAKEKUA — A woman facing charges in connection with a January standoff with police in Hawi is being evaluated to determine her mental fitness.
Britany C. Wolf, 28, was indicted Feb. 12 on two counts of first-degree attempted murder of a law enforcement officer in connection with the Jan. 22 incident off Alaalae Road, in addition to 14 other charges.
Her husband, Lucas R. Wolf, also was included in the indictment but not charged with attempted murder. He faces a total of 15 charges.
On Thursday, the couple appeared before Kona Circuit Judge Melvin Fujino, who continued the hearing to July 3 because doctors reviewing Britany Wolf’s case requested more time.
Deputy Public Defender Wendy DeWeese, who represents Britany Wolf, told the court that one of the doctors reviewing her client’s mental fitness asked to view the tape of when she was advised of her rights.
Because of the seriousness of the case, DeWeese said, the doctors wanted clarification of the charges.
DeWeese filed for a mental examination with the court March 28. In the motion, it states counsel retained a medical doctor to evaluate Britany Wolf at Hawaii Community Correctional Center. According to the motion, that doctor’s opinion is Britany Wolf “is not fit to proceed.”
While doctors have conducted their mental evaluation of Britany Wolf, Andrew Kennedy, counsel for Lucas Wolf, filed a motion to sever charges in the indictment that connect the couple. Kennedy has since withdrawn the motion, and on Thursday, Lucas Wolf waived his right to a speedy trial.
Both remain in custody at HCCC. Bail remains unchanged with Lucas Wolf’s set at $26,000 and Britany Wolf at $303,000.
The charges stem from a Jan. 22 standoff on the 3500 block of Alaalae Road. According to police, the couple exhibited aggressive behavior toward the property owner when he attempted to evict them and said Britany Wolf fired a single shot from a weapon. The 56-year-old property owner was not injured.
The Hawaii Police Department’s Special Response Team responded to the scene. As the incident continued, police say, Britany Wolf fired two additional gunshots, one of which struck the SRT’s armored vehicle.
Email Tiffany DeMasters at tdemasters@westhawaiitoday.com.
