Psychologist: Former teacher mentally unfit for Hilo murder trial
HILO >> A state psychologist has concluded that a Hilo man suspected of a fatal 2012 shooting is unfit for trial.
Dr. Thomas Cunningham of the Department of Health testified Thursday in a fitness hearing for Mark Anthony Whyne, a former special education teacher at Pahoa and McKinley high schools.
Cunningham concluded that Whyne experiences schizophrenia.
Whyne is charged with second-degree murder and weapons offenses in the death Dec. 29 of Faafetai Fiu at Mooheau Park.
Whyne was arrested Feb. 4 at Wailoa Small Boat Harbor carrying a fanny pack with a 9mm handgun that police say was used in the shooting.
The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports two psychiatrists are scheduled to testify Nov. 22 before Hilo Circuit Judge Glenn Hara, who will decide whether Whyne is fit for trial.