Desmond Lewi gets 25 years for manslaughter of Cameron Mauga
Video by Tim Bryan
A tense Hilo courtroom, packed with family members of both the victim and the accused, witnessed the culmination of two years of litigation during the sentencing of 33 year old Desmond Lewi on Wednesday.
Judge Nakamura handed down a 25 year prison term to the Keaukaha man, who pleaded guilty in March to manslaughter, carrying or possessing a loaded firearm on a public highway, and prohibited possession of a firearm. Lewi was originally charged with second-degree murder for the killing of Cameron Mauga at the popular summer beach hangout of Puhi Bay on October 5th, 2008.
Initial news reports said that the shooting had occurred when a dispute arose over a “pogs” – a children’s game using small, decorative discs – but later reports revealed a history of confrontation between the two men. Media reports described Mauga as the live in boyfriend of Lewi’s sister. The shotgun used in the shooting has not been recovered.
Bad blood between the families since the incident has led to a number of mutual restraining orders, and 10 sheriff’s officers were present in the courtroom to make sure the emotional proceedings did not get out of hand.
After Lewi was led out of the courtroom, Mauga’s family hugged and wept, and finally joined hands in a prayer circle inside the courtroom.
Watchin this video clip was very painful and yet it also brought peace to know that the shooter of my nephew Cameron Mauga has 25yrs. term. I’m an aunt that never met my nephew Cameron and now I WILL NEVER HAVE THE CHANCE to meet him. He is the son of my father’s first born son John Palepoi Mauga…My beloved Oldest brother John. This man has taken away a brother, a father, an uncle, a nephew from his family and his children…but I know his memories will live on forever in my nieces and nephews hearts forever. And that is where I know where I can meet my nephew Cameron Mauga…through the hearts of his sisters and brothers…My nieces and nephews. I THANK GOD for covering them at this time! They stood their ground with great strengths and went through this trial PEACEFULLY!!! Just know that I am thinking of yal! Someday I would like to meet yal in person. I love u guys! God bless the MAUGA family.
desmond lewi is my dad and des mond lewi finger was on the trger and carmon pullied the gun and the gun was sout and pogs are not chids games and ruty lewi and cale lewi and rtu levi made desmond lewi had to cook his own food