Jury trial set in Secharmidal murder case; Muna case heads to status conference

Superior Court Presiding Judge Joseph N. Camacho has set a Dec. 7 jury trial for a Garapan man charged with murder in the death of Sheldon Kaianoa, while a separate theft case involving Patrick “Tabi” Muna is scheduled for another status conference as the defense seeks to have him considered for drug court.

Camacho addressed both cases during proceedings last Aug. 19, in Superior Court. Both defendants appeared in Corrections custody.

BinWei Zhang Secharmidal, also known as “Joe Secharmidal,” is scheduled to stand trial beginning Dec. 7 at 9am. Camacho also set a pretrial conference for Oct. 14 at 10am. Attorney Robert McNeil represents Secharmidal, while Office of Attorney General chief prosecutor Chester Hinds appeared for the government.

Secharmidal, 33, previously pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the May 2 death of Kaianoa, 45, of Garapan. Police alleged that an argument between the two escalated into a physical confrontation. Kaianoa was later pronounced dead at the Commonwealth Health Center.

At an earlier May 5 hearing, the court maintained Secharmidal’s bail at $200,000 and denied a defense request to allow a 10% bond.

In the separate case, Muna, 29, has pleaded not guilty to a theft charge. Camacho scheduled his next status conference for Sept. 17 at 10am as the defense seeks to have him considered for drug court. McNeil also represents Muna, while assistant attorney general Heather Barcinas appeared for the government.

Muna’s case stems from an alleged vehicle break-in in Garapan. Investigators linked him to the alleged theft of personal belongings and government receipts from a vehicle parked in Garapan. He was subsequently arrested pursuant to a Superior Court warrant.