A woman who robbed another woman while wielding a hatchet was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison. ADVERTISING A woman who robbed another woman while wielding a hatchet was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison. As part of
A woman who robbed another woman while wielding a hatchet was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison.
As part of her plea deal, Trinety Shantel Crapser, 26, formerly of Ocean View, will have to serve a minimum of two years before being eligible for parole.
Crapser pleaded guilty June 18 to first-degree robbery, a Class A felony. In return for her plea, charges of first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, third-degree assault, attempted auto theft and attempted second-degree assault were dropped.
The victim, Trudi Grentz, was parked on South Point Road and left her car running while she got out to put up signs for the farm stand where she worked.
Crapser and co-defendant Kainoa Kahele-Bishop then pulled up. Crapser threatened Grentz with a hatchet, then lunged at her, with the two women struggling for control of the weapon.
As this was happening, Kahele-Bishop stole a bag from Grentz’s car. Grentz managed to take control of the weapon and throw it into the bushes, she testified. They then struggled as Crapser tried to drive off in Grenz’s Corvette. A passer-by finally intervened.
Crapser told doctors and investigators Kahele-Bishop threatened her with a shotgun to rob Grentz.
The negotiated plea required Kona Circuit Judge Ronald Ibarra to lower the mandatory minimum sentencing. The reason for the reduced sentence was that “for the first time she has something to lose,” said Wendy Deweese, Crapser’s defense attorney. That includes a husband, her father and three children, she said. All were present in the courtroom.
Deputy Prosecutor Kauanoe Kaneshiro also spoke in support of the plan, saying she’s seen Crapser improve.
“I feel really terrible for what I did,” Crapser said, adding she “couldn’t imagine” the fear and terror the woman felt during the attack. “I hurt an innocent woman and I hurt my own family.”
Before sentencing, Ibarra asked Crapser what motivated her to attempt the robbery.
“At this point, with a clear mind, I couldn’t tell you why I did it,” she said. Pressed by Ibarra, Crapser blamed her drug use and fear of Kahele-Bishop.
Crapser was diagnosed with several mental illnesses and is prescribed medication at various times, according to court documents.
Email Graham Milldrum at gmilldrum@westhawaiitoday.com.
