Plea deal could avert December murder trial in Secharmidal case

A possible plea agreement could avert the December murder trial of BinWei Zhang Secharmidal, also known as “Joe Secharmidal,” who is accused of killing Sheldon Kaianoa following an argument in Garapan last May.

Superior Court Presiding Judge Joseph N. Camacho took up the case last Oct. 14, with Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds representing the government. Secharmidal was not present during the hearing, but Chief Public Defender Douglas Hartig was present for the defense.

The case had previously been scheduled for a Dec. 7 jury trial, but the court is now considering whether it can be resolved through a plea agreement.

Speaking to Marianas Press after the hearing, Hinds confirmed that a plea agreement has been presented to the defense.

Asked whether a plea agreement was being offered, Hinds replied, “Yes.”

Hinds said another hearing is scheduled for Nov. 18, when the parties expect to have a clearer indication of whether the case will proceed to trial or be resolved through a plea agreement.

During Wednesday's proceedings, the government indicated that Secharmidal's case was less likely to proceed to trial because of the possible plea agreement.

The proposed agreement has yet to be finalized or approved by the court.

Secharmidal, 33, previously pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the May 2 death of Kaianoa, 45, of Garapan.

According to police, an argument between the two men allegedly escalated into a physical confrontation. Kaianoa was later pronounced dead at the Commonwealth Health Center.

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

During an Aug. 19 hearing, Camacho scheduled the murder case for a Dec. 7 jury trial and set an Oct. 14 pretrial conference.

The upcoming Nov. 18 hearing is expected to clarify whether Secharmidal will enter a plea agreement or proceed to trial.

Secharmidal, who remains in Department of Corrections custody, is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.