HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A young man who drunkenly murdered a woman two years ago is serving just a year and a half in prison.
A judge sentenced Jason Abad to 18 months in prison and four years of probation.
Victims’ families are furious and demand justice.
Azaria Park, 21, was attacked by Abad, then 21, on her way to see the Holiday Light Show at Aloha Stadium in December 2020.
Park died from his injuries.
His attorney, David Fanelli, said the ruling was “adequate” based on the facts of the case.
Supporters of both the Park and Abad families flocked to the sentencing hearings.
Park’s parents and siblings have asked a judge to impose up to 10 years in prison and shared how their lives changed forever after Park’s death.
“His actions destroyed my family,” said Chanda Park, Azalia’s mother.
“You took my best friend,” said Azaria’s sister Sheila.
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Fanelli’s attorney acknowledged their grief, but said his client’s blood alcohol level was only slightly above the legal limit and was not involved in the accident.
Police also said he was not speeding and had priority.
Judge Shirley Kawamura said she was obligated by law to be sentenced for the crimes for which Abad was charged and convicted.
“He’s been charged with leaving the scene…he hasn’t been charged or convicted of causing Park’s death. That’s a big difference,” Kawamura said. rice field. “He has been charged with, and not convicted of, manslaughter or similar types of crimes.”
The judge noted Abad’s clean sheet and said he had considered several factors, saying Abad left the scene but returned 16 minutes later after noticing damage to his car. .
Fanelli said his client’s drunk driving was not the cause of the accident.
“She hit an intersection where she should not run. My client had a green light. My client immediately. My client did not commit a traffic violation. My client has no traffic record.” Fanelli explained.
“This park is a terrible, unfortunate tragedy. But in our opinion, it was an accident.”
After the verdict was handed down, emotions ran high and family members and supporters were visibly upset and inconsolable.
No comfort to families who believe that justice has not been served
“My sister died.
“Jason Boy Abbad will only serve a few months in prison. I will be without my sister for the rest of my life.”
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