The Fifth Circuit Court on Wednesday approved a stipulated agreement that imposes a 20-year sentence on Vincente Hilario for a murder that took place 16 years ago on Kauaʻi.
The Kaua‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney earlier reached the agreement with Hilario, providing for a conviction for manslaughter in connection with the death of Aureo Moore.
This agreement resolves a case that has spanned two jury trials in which Hilario was twice convicted of first-degree murder for fatally shooting Moore execution-style at the lookout above Anahola Beach Park on Dec. 17, 2010.
According to prosecutors, Hilario lured Moore to the lookout and shot him six times. Moore
had accused Hilario and his friend, Kyle Akau, of robbing him of pills four months earlier. Hilario’s motive of the shooting was to prevent Moore from testifying against Akau in the robbery trial that was scheduled to begin in 10 days.
After the first conviction, the then 26-year-old Hilario was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. But the conviction was overturned after an appellate court determined that he had been denied the right to approach the bench during jury selection.
At the second trial in 2023, the then 36-year-old Hilario represented himself. A jury again convicted him on the third day of deliberations. This time for first-degree murder, second-degree murder, intimidating a witness, retaliating against a witness and bribery of a witness.
Following the second trial, several issues were raised concerning Hilario’s constitutional rights, according to a news release from the Kaua‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. After evaluating those issues and the case’s lengthy procedural history, the parties reached an agreement providing for a manslaughter conviction and a 20-year term of imprisonment.
Hilario has been in custody since his arrest in 2010.
“Two juries have returned guilty verdicts in this case. Our responsibility as prosecutors requires us to carefully assess constitutional issues that may affect whether a conviction can stand on appeal,” said Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Like. “This agreement holds Mr. Hilario accountable through a manslaughter conviction and a substantial prison sentence while reducing the uncertainty of further litigation.
“We recognize the profound loss suffered by Aureo Moore’s loved ones and the many years they have endured these proceedings.”
