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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 5:36 p.m., Monday, February 9, 2009

PRELIMINARY HEARING IN STABBING
Koko Crater stabbing suspect was on LSD, friend says

Photo gallery: Stabbing suspect in court

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Benjamin Davis, left, sits in the courtroom of Judge Edwin Nacino with his attorney, public defender Debra Loy, during today's preliminary hearing in District Court.

BRUCE ASATO | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Benjamin Davis was bound over for trial on attempted murder charges after a police officer gave new information in court about the extent of serious injuries Davis allegedly caused to two hikers on Koko Crater Feb. 1.

One of the victims, Guy Tanaka, testified in court today, but the second, Nicholas Iwamoto, is still in Queen's Medical Center recovering from life-threatening injuries that include a fractured skull, broken neck and knife lacerations to his liver and and diaphragm, according to HPD Detective Peter Boyle.

Iwamoto was stabbed 11 times and has serious, disfiguring injuries to his face and neck, Boyle said.

Some three dozen supporters of the defendant attended the preliminary hearing in District Court, including Davis' mother, Amata Henry, who sobbed during much of the hearing.

As Boyle testified, Davis put his head down on the defense table and appeared to weep.

A friend, Michael Kratzke, said Davis is a talented rap musician who sings about "positive" issues and who is known for his quiet and gentle personality.

Kratzke said he believes Davis may have unwittingly smoked marijuana that had been laced with LSD.

Davis is charged with one count of attempted first degree murder and two counts of attempted murder in the second degree.

District Judge Edwin Nacino ruled that there is probable cause to believe that Davis committed the crimes and bound him over for trial in Circuit Court.