Accused Murderer Will Undergo Medical Examination

An Illinois man facing a second-degree murder charge in connection with the death of a woman in Hilo last Friday will undergo a medical examination.

Curtis Hodges, 35, went in front of Hilo Judge Harry Freitas Monday afternoon for his arraignment and plea.

Hawai’i County Police arrested Hodges last Friday in connection with the homicide of 49-year-old Danielle Caron of no permanent address.

Officials found Caron’s body just after midnight Friday and upon investigating arrested Hodges at a Hilo hostel in relation to the crime.

Hilo defense attorney Stanton Oshiro was the court appointed attorney to represent Hodges Monday afternoon, while Deputy Prosecutor Shannon Kagawa represented the state.

Oshiro requested a 704 examination.  The request is relative to the Hawai’i Revised Statutes 704-404, stating there can be an examination of a defendant with respect to his or her’s physical or mental disease, disorder, or defect.

Freitas granted the request and Hodges was ordered to return to court on Tue., Sept. 22.

He’s currently being held without bail.

The medical reports are due to the court by Sept. 15.

According to a story in the Belleville News-Democrat, Hodges has a criminal record in St. Clair County that includes numerous battery charges.