Man convicted for 2020 killing of his mother, dog

A 39-year-old man was convicted of murder today for stabbing his 74-year-old mother and her dog to death with a knife in their apartment on Feb. 23, 2020.

Jamil Hasan Junichi Hart was convicted of murder in the second degree for the “brutal killing” of his mother, Gwendolyn Hara-Hart, who was 74 years old at the time of her death, and her beloved dog, Yuko, in Hara-Hart’s home, according to the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney.

Hart was also convicted of attempted burglary in the first degree and cruelty to animals in the first degree.

“We thank the jury for the time that they took to consider all of the evidence that led them to convict Mr. Jamil today,” said Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm, in a statement. “This conviction demonstrates our office’s commitment to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Hara-Hart was found with fatal traumatic injuries to her face and neck at the Waipio Gardens Apartments at 95-24 Waihau St. shortly after 8:10 p.m on Feb. 23, 2020.

Her dog also was found dead with traumatic injuries.

At least four witnesses told police that that Hart appeared belligerent and intoxicated on the night of his mother and her dog’s death. Police found Hart trying to break into a nearby church on Waimakua Drive shortly after the killing.

Officers executed a search warrant at the apartment and recovered a knife at the scene.

Hart has a criminal record of two petty misdemeanor convictions for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, according to state court records.

Hart’s murder conviction carries a sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole.

Attempted burglary in the second degree is a Class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Cruelty to animals in the first degree is a class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.

Because Hart is a multiple offender and his mom was over 60 years of age, he could serve a potential sentence of life without parole for the murder charge, a 20-year sentence for attempted burglary and a decade for killing the dog.

The extended sentencing portion of the trial is set for Thursday. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Scott Bell handled the case.


Source link

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top