Bail was recently increased for a California man accused of attempted murder and other offenses stemming from an alleged stabbing Sept. 1 at a South Kohala hotel.
Richard Lopez, of San Pedro, California, is now being held in lieu of $1 million bail following a hearing last week in Kona Circuit Court during which Judge Robert D.S. Kim considered a motion by the defense to reduce bail from $500,000. Prosecutors opposed a reduction, instead arguing Lopez should be held without bail pending trial.
Lopez, 65, has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and abuse of a family or household member in connection with the reported stabbing of his 64-year-old girlfriend. Jury trial remains set for February 2023.
The charges lodged against Lopez were filed after Hawaii Police Department officers were sent to a report of a stabbing the night of Sept. 1 within a guest room at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort. Responding officers reported finding a woman with “numerous injuries” that were described as “life threatening,” as well as Lopez, who also had visible injuries. Both were taken to North Hawaii Community Hospital for treatment.
According to prosecutors, Lopez is alleged to have stabbed and slashed the 64-year-old woman numerous times to her face and neck during the altercation.
Upon conviction, second-degree attempted murder carries a sentence of life imprisonment with the possibility of parole. The minimum length of imprisonment shall be determined by the Hawaii Paroling Authority.
Prosecutors plan to pursue enhanced sentencing because the victim was over age 60, which would require he serve at least 15 years behind bards before becoming eligible for parole.