Custodial dispute leads to attempted murder charge

A 31-year-old Hilo woman is facing an attempted second-degree murder charge after allegedly stabbing her elderly father-in-law during a custodial dispute.

In addition, Frances Hartman was charged with first-degree custodial interference, second-degree terroristic threatening, and violation of an order for protection.

According to a statement from County Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen, the incident that led to the stabbing occurred Wednesday in Hilo’s Komohana Gardens subdivision.

Hartman is alleged to have threatened her 77 year-old father-in-law, who was caring for Hartman’s one year-old daughter, and later stabbed him with a knife causing a serious laceration to his abdomen.

According to authorities, Hartman then took the child, whom she is prohibited to have contact with by court order, and fled on foot. She was arrested a short time later at a nearby neighborhood park.

Prosecutors have provided notice to seek an extended term of imprisonment, alleging that Hartman is an offender against the elderly. An extended prison term would mean that Hartman would face life in prison without the

possibility of parole.

Prosecutors have also provided notice of an intention to seek a mandatory prison term in accordance with statutory sentencing guidelines in relation to imprisonment for offenses against the elderly.

She’s in police custody in lieu of $1.02 million bail and is scheduled to make her initial appearance this afternoon in Hilo District Court.