Trial date set in deadly game room robbery

A 28-year-old man accused of fatally shooting another man at an illegal game room during a robbery attempt near Ala Moana Center pleaded not guilty to a murder charge at Circuit Court on Thursday.

Manu Sorensen appeared at his arraignment before Judge Colette Garibaldi via closed-circuit video link from the Oahu Community Correctional Center on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree robbery and three counts of firearms charges in the death of Jacob N. Feliciano, 31, of Waipahu.

His court-appointed attorney, Dana Ishibashi, entered a not guilty plea to the charges on Sorensen’s behalf.

His accomplice, Robin Paakaula, 31, charged with second-degree robbery and promoting a dangerous drug in the third-degree, also appeared in court via closed-circuit video link from the correctional facility.

His attorney, Walter Rodby, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges on Paakaula’s behalf.

Garibaldi confirmed bail for Sorensen and Paakaula at $1 million each and set their trial for December.

The deadly shooting occurred in the game room at 1726 Kapiolani Blvd. on the night of Sept. 29.

Police said two men, later identified as Sorensen and Paakaula, entered the room where they played on machines. As they made their way toward the exit, Sorensen stepped outside of the room and kept the door slightly open while Paakaula asked the cashier for change.

When the cashier pulled out an envelope containing cash, Paakaula grabbed the envelope.

Court documents said Paakaula and the cashier struggled over the envelope when a bouncer pushed Sorensen out and locked a metal security door.

Sorensen kicked the door multiple times and then allegedly fired a single shot from a gun. The gunshot penetrated the door and struck Feliciano.

Police said Feliciano was taken to a hospital where he died the next morning.

Sorensen fled the scene and the game room cashier detained Paakaula until police arrived.

Police sought the public’s help in locating Sorensen and arrested him in Hauula on Oct. 1.