Judge to decide whether North Shore killer will ever be eligible for parole

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A judge will decide in May whether North Shore killer Stephen Brown should spent the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.

On Tuesday, a jury ruled the extended sentence should be considered in the case, saying he posed a continued risk to the public.

The 28-year-old Brown showed little emotion as the verdict was read.

But supporters of murder victim Telma Boinville said the ruling brings some closure to a crime that shocked the tight-knit North Shore community.

“I’m very happy for the decision. That’s not going to bring Telma back but at least we know justice was served today,” said Lucia Peterson, a longtime friend of the murder victim Telma Boinville.

Added Claudia Tzaschel, another longtime friend: “For that to happen to somebody ... so close to you. You know, it’s just unheard of in Hawaii and the North Shore.”

Last week, Brown was found guilty in the brutal murder of Boinville and the kidnapping of her young daughter.

In a sentencing hearing Monday, Brown’s attorney sought leniency, telling the jury he’s a changed man.

“He’s not dangerous so that you must consider the protection of the public,” said Brown’s attorney William Bagasol.

His psychiatrist Martin Blinder added: “In the case of Mr. Brown, he has found God. As a born again, he’s a devout Christian.”

But prosecutors said he’s still a danger to the public and should remain locked up.

“Surely whatever religious beliefs he now subscribes to were absent the day he buried a machete in Telma’s skull,” said Deputy Prosecutor Scott Bell.

Brown will be back in court on May 10.

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