Custodial dispute leads to attempted murder charge
A 31-year-old Hilo woman is facing attempted murder and other charges in connection with a domestic-related incident Wednesday morning in Hilo.
Frances Mari Tyshae Hartman was charged Thursday evening with one count each second-degree attempted murder, first-degree custodial interference, second-degree terroristic threatening and violation of an order for protection.
The charges against Hartman stem from an incident that occurred shortly before 9 a.m. on Wednesday, when South Hilo Patrol officers responded to a domestic call at a residence on Apono Street in the Komohana Gardens subdivision.
Hartman is alleged to have threatened her 77-year-old father-in-law, who was caring for Hartman’s 1-year-old daughter, and later struck him with a knife causing a serious laceration to his abdomen. Hartman then took the child, whom she is prohibited to have contact with by court order, and fled the scene on foot before police arrived.
Officers located Hartman several minutes later at a nearby private neighborhood park on Komomala Drive. Hartman was arrested without further incident and the child was returned unharmed to the custody of her father, who is the legal custodial parent.
The 77-year-old mans was transported via ambulance to the Hilo Medical Center, and immediately taken to the operating room for surgery. He remains hospitalized in stable condition.
Prosecutors have provided notice to seek an extended term of imprisonment, alleging that Hartman is an offender against the elderly. Second-degree attempted murder usually carries a penalty of life in prison with the possibility of parole. An extended prison term would mean that Hartman would face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Hartman’s bail was set at $1.02 million pending her initial court appearance on Friday. Hilo District Court Judge Mahilani Hiatt maintained bail, despite a request from the defense to lower the amount to $510,000.
A preliminary hearing, during which prosecutors will work to show the court probable cause exists to support the charges, is slated for Wednesday.
As of press-time Friday, Hartman had not posted bail.
