Kauai murder suspect appears in court

LIHUE (HawaiiNewsNow) – The suspect who led Kauai police on a chase that ended in the ocean made his first appearance in court Monday.

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Murder suspect William “Billy” Sinclair is accused of killing Sergio Hernandez, 37, in Hanalei and shooting at another person in Kilauea.

Sinclare then led police on a two-day manhunt that ended in waters off Kapaa.

“He ran and jumped into the ocean,” said Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jennifer Winn. “He was in the ocean for almost two hours before the police finally were able to apprehend him. He has person-related prior felonies, including robbery and assault with a firearm. And in this case, when he was located in Kapaa on June 8th, there was a loaded firearm that was recovered from his vest.”

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Although the prosecution requested he be held without bail, the judge maintained Sinclair’s bail at $1.5 million.

“I believe it is already $1.5 million, which I believe is a substantial amount of bail to be set on this matter,” said Public Defender Renee Ardnt. “So I would ask that you deny the state’s request for no bail.”

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Sinclair is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.