Hawaii Guard soldier found fit for trial in deaths of son, wife’s unborn child
By APThursday, May 13, 2010
Hawaii Guard soldier found fit for trial
HILO, Hawaii — A Hawaii Army National Guard soldier and Iraq war veteran has been found fit to stand trial on accusations that he fatally stabbed his 14-year-old son and his estranged wife’s unborn child with a military-issued combat knife.
The man’s nearly full-term wife survived the attack.
Hilo Circuit Judge Glenn Hara said Tuesday two psychiatrists and a psychologist unanimously concluded Tyrone Vesperas is able to understand the proceedings against him and help his attorney in his defense.
Vesperas has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, second-degree murder by omission and possessing a deadly weapon.
Police allege Vesperas admitted stabbing his son and wife in the abdomen during a June 2007 domestic dispute.
