Hilario, 26, of Anahola, was charged with First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, Witness Intimidation, Retaliating Against a Witness, and Bribery of a Witness, following the December 17, 2010, shooting death of Moore. Evidence presented at trial showed that Hilario shot Moore six times in order to prevent him from testifying against Kyle Akau, a friend of Hilario’s, concerning the August 21, 2010, Kapaa Safeway parking lot armed robbery. The jury found Hilario guilty of Murder in the First Degree and all other counts, in addition to finding that he actually possessed and used the firearm in the commission of Murder in the First Degree.
Hilario’s trial was continued on a number of occasions before commencing on January 7 of this year.
Prosecuting Attorney Justin F. Kollar credited the hard work of Deputy Prosecutors Melinda K. Mendes and H. Ramsey Ross, as well as that of Kauai Police Department investigators, for achieving today’s verdict. "This was a team effort. Melinda is a seasoned homicide prosecutor and epitomizes what this profession is about; Ramsey did a phenomenal job as the second chair. And none of it would have been possible without the tireless efforts of OPA and KPD investigators, including Assistant Chief Roy Asher and his team of dedicated detectives who put in countless hours of labor on what was a daunting and challenging case. I am so phenomenally proud of them. They made a powerful statement about the law and justice on Kauai."
Police Chief Darryl Perry stated: "I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the successful prosecution of this case. And once again, my deepest condolences go out to the Moore family for their loss. But my sympathy must also be shared with the Hilario ‘ohana because they too have suffered greatly." Chief Perry added, "And while there is a sense of relief in the verdict, the fact remains that we cannot bring Aureo back. We can, however, find solace that the responsible person, who so callously took his life, was finally brought to justice."
Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Mendes and Ross wish to thank the jury for their significant sacrifice and service, and the police department for their commitment and dedication in bringing forth justice for the community of Kauai, and for the Moore family.
Sentencing is set for June 13, 2013. Hilario faces a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
See the original article at: KHON2 Developing Stories
