An alleged jailhouse assault Saturday afternoon sent an inmate to the hospital and his purported assailant back to court.
According to court documents filed by police, 22-year-old Keanu Krause of Kurtistown punched 60-year-old Gilbert DeSa of Pahoa six times to the face with a closed fist. DeSa was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with multiple facial fractures, including sinus fractures, a nasal bone fracture and deviated nasal septum.
Documents indicate there is video surveillance footage of the alleged attack, which, according to police spokesman Alan Richmond, took place as DeSa, a pretrial detainee recently arrested for allegedly promoting a dangerous drug and drug paraphernalia, emerged from the shower and was drying his face with a towel. Two guards also witnessed the alleged assault, according to documents.
There was no mention of a possible motive for the alleged attack.
Krause, who is serving a five-year sentence for a May 2 conviction on charges of second-degree burglary, second-degree theft and six counts of unauthorized control of a stolen vehicle, was charged with second-degree assault for the alleged attack, a Class C felony.
Prosecutors included language in the assault complaint seeking an extended term of imprisonment, which would be 10 years, alleging Krause is a persistent and multiple offender.
According to the state Department of Public Safety website, Krause’s scheduled release date for his prior conviction is July 4, 2022.
During his initial appearance Tuesday in Hilo District Court, Krause pleaded not guilty and waived his right to a preliminary hearing within 48 hours.
Judge Harry Freitas maintained Krause’s bail at $25,000 and ordered him to return for a preliminary hearing at 2 p.m. July 5.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
