A Kona man charged with murder and arson in connection with a May 25 shooting was back behind bars Wednesday, just a day after posting $550,000 bail.
Ioane Asagra pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of second-degree murder and first-degree arson in connection with the shooting death of Joey Richmond, 46, of Kailua-Kona, at the end of Keauhou-Kainaliu Beach Road, known locally as “End of the World,” in Keauhou.
The 27-year-old was also taken back into custody after Kona Circuit Judge Robert D.S. Kim granted a motion by the state to deny bail following a lengthy hearing in which Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chase Murray called three Hawaii Police Department officers and Asagra’s probation officer to the stand to present the state’s case.
The first officer testified to his involvement in the investigation of Asagra’s December 2020 arrest for four counts first-degree terroristic threatening, first-degree burglary, three counts second-degree assault, first-degree robbery, ownership prohibited, third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug, drug paraphernalia, accomplice to second-degree reckless endangering related to a South Kona armed home invasion. He was out on $500,000 bail when the alleged murder took place. Asagra was also charged with robbery and unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle in connection to a July 2020 incident in Kaloko.
Two detectives assigned to the murder investigation also testified, telling the court how they identified Richmond by the ID found on the body and a wristband issued by the Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay.
Detectives reviewed surveillance video from the hotel that showed Asagra pulling up to the entrance in a red SUV. After a few minutes, Asagra and Richmond were seen entering a white BMW and driving off.
Detective Donovan Kohara noted Asagra was wearing red shoes at the time. He stated a few hours after the murder was reported, the BMW was found on fire on Highway 160, with a pair of red shoes found by the car.
Kohara further testified Asagra’s ex-girlfriend told him the defendant called her to pick him up by “City of Refuge” and take him to Kona Community Hospital where he was treated for burns to his legs. He was later transferred to Straub Medical Center on Oahu for treatment.
Asagra’s attorney, William Reece asked the detectives if they were aware Richmond was a drug dealer and that on the day of his death he was in possession of a large quantity of drugs. Kohara responded to say that information was not verified.
Reece also alleged Richmond had a backpack full of drugs and asked if it had been recovered, to which the detective replied “no.”
Asagra’s probation officer took the stand and testified he had violated probation on four 2017 felony drug charges, was not reporting in as required and performed poorly on probation.
Reece, in arguing bail be maintained, pointed out Asagra appeared in court for this hearing, and was living with his mother in Captain Cook.
Retired police detective Walter Ah Mow, now a private investigator, appeared via Zoom on behalf of the defense. He stated Asagra was cooperative with him and would submit to a polygraph, however he had more follow-up investigation to perform. He said based on his interview with Asagra, he was confident he would comply with all conditions of bail.
Asagra’s aunt and mother, whom Reece said were well-respected members of the community, also testified they could assure the court that he would make all of his court dates. They indicated family and the mother’s employer put up the money for bail and assured the court that he would be supervised at all times.
Reece also stated his client suffered third-degree burns on his legs from setting the car on fire and had received skin grafts that need medical attention. He also said his client had a good defense and believed he would appear in court.
“HCCC can’t even keep COVID out of there, let alone someone with this serious of a condition,” Reece said.
After hearing arguments, Kim said considering all factors and testimony, no conditions would reasonably ensure the safety of the community and ordered no bail.
Reece argued Asagra had a doctor’s appointment Thursday on Oahu and asked that his client could attend it, to which Kim replied “Take him into custody.”
A jury trial in the murder case was set for Oct. 19.
Second-degree murder is punishable by up to life in prison with the possibility of parole. First-degree arson is a Class A felony carries up to 20 years behind bars without the possibility of suspension of sentence or probation.
Prosecutors will seek extended terms of imprisonment per the indictment because Asagra allegedly used a firearm in the commission of the felony. Court records also indicate he is subject to extended terms of imprisonment necessary “for the protection of the public.”
Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact Detective Kimmerlyn Makuakane-Jarrell at (808) 326-4646, ext. 262, via email at Kimmerlyn.Makuakane-Jarrell@hawaiicounty.gov, or the department’s nonemergency line at (808) 935-3311.