A Garapan man charged with murder in connection with the death of Sheldon Kaianoa pleaded not guilty during his arraignment hearing last June 10 in Superior Court.
BinWei Zhang Secharmidal, also known as "Joe Secharmidal," entered the plea before Superior Court Presiding Judge Joseph N. Camacho, with attorney Robert McNeil appearing for the defense and chief prosecutor Chester Hinds representing the government.
"At this time, we plead not guilty to the charges," McNeil told the court while waiving formal arraignment and acknowledging that Secharmidal had been advised of his constitutional rights.
Following the plea, the parties discussed scheduling matters. The defense requested that a change-of-plea hearing be set to allow additional time for possible negotiations.
Camacho subsequently scheduled a change-of-plea hearing for Aug. 19 should the parties reach a plea agreement before trial.
The parties were not prepared to discuss additional trial-setting matters during Wednesday's hearing.
Secharmidal, 33, remains charged in the death of Sheldon Kaianoa, 45, both of Garapan.
According to court records and police reports, officers responded to a 911 call shortly before 11:30pm on May 2 reporting a disturbance along Asusena Avenue. Responding officers found Kaianoa unresponsive on the roadway with multiple injuries.
Emergency responders performed life-saving measures, including CPR, before transporting Kaianoa to the Commonwealth Health Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigators said Secharmidal and Kaianoa had been drinking together at a local establishment before leaving on foot. Police alleged an argument later erupted along the roadway and escalated into a physical confrontation.
Authorities later located Secharmidal in Susupe and took him into custody. He was subsequently charged with murder.
At an earlier hearing last May 5, Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo maintained Secharmidal's bail at $200,000 and denied a defense request to allow a 10% bond. The court also imposed conditions requiring the surrender of any passport, prohibiting travel outside the CNMI, and barring contact with parties involved in the case.
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