Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Thursday, December 12, 2024 79° Today's Paper


Top News

Oahu grand jury indicts State Hospital escapee Randall Saito

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM

Acquitted murderer Randall Saito appeared in court, April 26, to see if he was mentally competent to stand trial for escape. His attorney is Michael Green. An Oahu grand jury has indicted Saito for escape and theft six months after he walked out of the Hawaii State Hospital and flew to California.

An Oahu grand jury has indicted Randall Saito for escape and theft six months after he walked out of the Hawaii State Hospital and flew to California.

The indictment includes one count of escape in the second degree, a class C felony with a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, and four counts of identity theft in the first degree, a class A felony that carries a maximum 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine, for using another person’s identity, state Attorney General Russell Suzuki said Thursday.

Saito was already pending trial for a previous charge of escape in the second degree after leaving the state hospital on Nov. 12.

His bail was confirmed at $500,000. If bail is posted, he would return to the state hospital.

Saito was acquitted of murder by reason of insanity in the 1979 killing of Sandra Yamashiro at random and had been confined to the Kaneohe hospital ever since.

A state judge found Saito fit to stand trial for escape in June after he was captured in Stockton days after his escape.

Multiple investigations are ongoing. Saito is presumed innocent unless found guilty of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.