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Murder Suspect Allowed To Remain Out On Bail

Judge Denies Motta's Request To Live With Girlfriend

POSTED: 1:41 pm HST March 8, 2004

One of the three suspects in January's Pali Golf Course shooting is free on bond.

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Ethan Motta (pictured, right) has been on the Big Island for the past week awaiting trial. He was in court Monday, seeking to live with his girlfriend.

"A man has a right to post bond to get out and he did," public defender Todd Eddins said.

That's why Motta, charged with first-degree murder, was able to walk into Circuit Court Monday morning.

Motta is one of three suspects in the January shooting at the Pali Golf Course, where two men died and another was wounded.

Bail had been set at $1 million. Motta was able to post $100,000 for a million-dollar bond.

The prosecution voiced concerns over where the money came from.

"My concern is simply that there are allegations that this whole incident relates to gambling enterprise, and I think that is sufficient cause to warrant concern as to the source of the bond money," deputy prosecutor Lucy Khalaf said.

However, his public defender says the money came from Motta's friends and family.

"These individuals have put their money where their heart is and Mr. Motta is now safe on the Big Island," Eddins said.

Motta has been under supervised release and staying with his mother in Keaukaha on the Big Island. He wanted to stay with his girlfriend.

"Ethan Motta, in this case, I'm going to deny the motion to allow you to live with the mother of your children. You're going to remain with your mom," Judge Michael Town said.

Motta is expected back in court March 22.

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