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.