KAILUA-KONA — Jury trial for three people accused of aiding cop killer Justin Waiki entered its third week on Tuesday.
More than two dozen witnesses have been called by prosecutors to provide testimony during a span of 10 days since the proceedings began Sept. 26.
Krystle Ferreira, Malia Lajala and Jorge Pagan-Torres are each charged with two counts of first-degree hindering prosecution and first-degree attempted murder. Ferreira and Pagan-Torres are also charged with place to keep pistol or revolver. Lajala faces an additional charge of third-degree promoting a dangerous drug.
The three, along with a fourth person, Jamie Jason, were in a vehicle with Waiki when police tracked the man down three days after he shot and killed Officer Bronson Kaliloa on the side of Highway 11 in Puna. Waiki was killed in an exchange of bullets on South Point Road.
Prosecutors are expected to rest their case later this week. Then the defense counsel for each of the defendants will present their cases. Trial was anticipated to take five weeks.
On Tuesday, several more witnesses took the stand for the prosecution. Kona Circuit Judge Robert D.S. Kim also dismissed a second juror when court resumed following recess for lunch. He did not provide details, but reminded remaining jurors to adhere to the court’s instruction.