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Wells pleads no contest to manslaughter in death of Kona man

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawai`i Prosecuting Attorney, Charlene Iboshi, announced today that Gene Craig Wells pled no contest to Manslaughter and Assault in the Third Degree and was sentenced to twenty years in prison. He was originally charged with Murder in the Second Degree and Assault in the Second Degree. As part of a plea agreement, the State agreed to recommend that Wells be released from custody after serving two years of incarceration if Wells obtains no write-ups in prison for threats or violence.

On November 16, 2010, Edward Wanat and Andrew Wanat knocked on the door of Well’s apartment at the Kona Eastwind Condominium. The Wanats intended to confront Wells about a false allegation he recently lodged against them to the property manager. At the time, court orders prohibited contact between Wells and the Wanats. Wells opened the door, and stabbed Edward Wanat in the torso and abdomen. Andrew Wanat intervened and tried to disarm Wells. Edward returned to his own apartment to call for help. When the police and medic personnel arrived, Edward was in his apartment and Andrew was still in Wells’ apartment, where he had subdued Wells. Edward later died as a result of his injuries. Wells raised a self defense argument to the charges, contending that he stabbed the Wanats to protect himself from their attack in his home.

The State consulted with Hawai`i Police Department’s lead investigator and the surviving victim prior to entering into the plea agreement. The agreement ensures a conviction for Wells, and eliminates the uncertainty inherent in a trial outcome. A further consequence of the agreement is that Wells must remain away from the Kona Eastwind Condominium.

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