A Kona grand jury indicted 21-year-old Avery Nissen of Overland Park, Kansas in relation to an April 16, stabbing incident aboard a catamaran vessel along the Kona coast.

According to police, Nissen stabbed a 62-year-old male during a snorkel tour. Shortly after the vessel docked, Nissen was arrested and the victim was transported to Kona Community Hospital for treatment. Formal charges were filed and Nissen appeared in Kona District Court on April 20 where his bail was maintained at $1,570,000.

The Kona District Court ordered Nissen to undergo an examination as to his fitness to proceed.

Following the grand jury Indictment, Nissen is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Kona Circuit Court today. He remains in custody in lieu of $1,570,000 bail.

As the Indictment alleges, Nissen is charged with Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree, and Assault in the Second Degree. The most serious offense, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, carries a penalty of life in prison with the possibility of parole. Assault in the First Degree is a class B felony offense and carries a maximum penalty of a ten-year prison term. Assault in the Second Degree is a class C felony offense and carries a maximum penalty of a five-year prison term.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Aaron Masser.

HPD Photo