30 year-old Ioane Asagra, who was found guilty of Murder in the Second Degree and Arson in the First Degree by a Kona jury in June, was recently sentenced to life in prison in Kona Circuit Court.

The charges against Asagra stemmed from a May 25, 2021 shooting on Keauhou-Kainaliu Beach Road, also referred to as “End of the World.”

As the Indictment alleged, Asagra was charged with Murder in the Second Degree for causing the death of Joey Richmond and Arson in the First Degree for setting fire to a BMW motor vehicle. Murder in the Second Degree carries a penalty of life in prison with the possibility of parole. Arson in the First Degree is a class A felony and carries a penalty of a twenty-year prison term. Asagra was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole for the murder offense and a twenty-year prison term for the arson offense.

The investigation was handled by Sergeant Kimmerlyn Makuakane-Jarrell, South Hilo Cellblock, formerly of the Area II Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Kauanoe Jackson and Kate Perazich.

In a statement Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen said, “This sentence reaffirms our Office’s commitment to seek justice for Mr. Richmond. It sends a clear message that we will hold violent offenders accountable to protect our community. This would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our police, prosecutors, victim advocates, and support staff. I would like to also thank the jury for their time and service.”

 

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney