Judge allows DUI suspect accused in a deadly crash to move to Florida

HAWAII ISLAND (HawaiiNewsNow) – The mother of a young man who was killed by an alleged drunk driver on Hawaii Island is now fighting a battle for justice in court.

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However, there are concerns with the case as the suspect has left the state.

Dallas Brooks is the alleged driver in the crash that killed 21-year-old Maxwell Robertson Sherwood over a year ago on Hawaii Island.

“Every day I wake up thinking about him. He crosses my mind all the time. He’s never ever too far out of thought,” the victim’s mother, Anjela Robertson said.

As attorneys prepare for trial, Brooks has been out on supervised release and living in Florida.

According to court records, Brooks attended a hearing virtually in July after leaving Hawaii without formal court permission. His attorney stated that Brooks believed permission had been granted, explaining that his departure followed a divorce along with unstable housing and employment.

“I think right now he should be locked up,” Robertson said. “By no means do I think he should be able to live in Florida.”

We spoke to Brooks’ defense attorney, Keith Shigetomi, who said notifying the court of out-of-state travel was not a previously set condition.

Brooks appeared in person at a hearing earlier this month where Judge Peter Kubota allowed him to stay in Florida until the start of trial, likely in February.

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“He is proving that he is one of those people that believe the rules and the laws do not apply to him, and the judge is backing him up on that, which is a really scary person to have out on the roads,” Robertson said.

Brooks was previously indicted by a grand jury for first-degree negligent homicide and driving under the influence, accused of a blood alcohol level of almost twice the legal limit.

Two months after the crash, he was allegedly seen buying beer from the convenience store where the victim’s mother worked, before driving off.

“That’s not against the law. It just shows no morals, no manners,” Robertson said.

As she navigates legal frustrations with the courts, she is getting support from Mother’s Against Drunk Driving.

“Every delay, every additional court appearance, it can just mean another difficult day for a victim’s family. And that’s why we believe that consistent communication and victim support throughout that process is so important,” Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hawaii Program Director Makena Young said.

Robertson says she will continue this pursuit of justice for her son.

“Maxwell’s story needs to be heard, and the injustice that is happening with him being able to leave and not follow the rules that the judge himself put in place, it’s hard. It shouldn’t be that way,” Robertson said.

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