District Court Judge Maintains $1.5M Bail for Kona Murder Suspect

A Kona man accused of murdering two Kona men and attempted murder made an initial appearance in Kona District Court this morning where a judge maintained his $1.5 million bail.

Twenty-four-year-old Chito Asuncion was charged with first-degree murder, which applies when an individual murders more than one person; two counts of second-degree murder; and two counts of second-degree attempted murder. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Monday, June 13.

The prosecution filed a motion for no bail. Per Diem Judge Joseph P. Florendo said he would review the motion during the next hearing.

Deputy Public Defender Rick Macapinlac was present with Asuncion and made a motion to allow the 24-year-old to appear for his preliminary hearing in civilian clothing, which was granted.

Prosecuting Attorney Chase Murray confirmed after the hearing all victims were experiencing homelessness.

It’s just a terrible situation,” Murray said. “Assuming the preliminary hearing happens, a lot more will come out.”

Asuncion was arrested Tuesday, June 7, after Hawai‘i police discovered a lifeless body at Hale Halawai Park in Kona. The victim was later identified as 48-year-old Boyd Maygra of Kailua-Kona. An autopsy conducted Wednesday determined he suffered multiple stab wounds.

Through the course of their investigation, police linked Asuncion to a reported fatal stabbing in Kona on or around May 17 where authorities discovered the body of 63-year-old Brian Macaulay of Kailua-Kona near the intersection of Palani Road and Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway.

Asuncion was also linked to two non-fatal assaults in Hilo. The first occurred on May 25 and involved a 59-year-old man. The second was reported on May 30 and involved a 70-year-old Hilo woman.