Hilo grandmother of girl who starved to death pleads no contest

After nearly seven years in custody awaiting trial, a Hilo woman has pleaded no contest to manslaughter in the death of her 9-year-old granddaughter.

Henrietta H. Stone was initially indicted in July 2017 on second-degree murder following the death of Shaelynn, who died in 2016 weighing just 45 pounds. Her daughter Tiffany Stone and son-in-law Kevin Lehano were also charged in connection to the child’s death.

The 66-year-old had custody of Shaelynn at the time of her arrest.

Stone, who remains in custody in lieu of $100,000 bail, was ordered to appear on April 16 for sentencing.

Manslaughter carries a penalty of either a 20-year prison term or 10 years probation and up to two years in jail. Prosecutors intend to argue for the maximum penalty.

Tiffany Stone and Lehano pleaded no contest to manslaughter in 2021. Both were sentenced to 10 years probation and two years in jail, which was waived due to time served.