WAILUKU -- Saying the defendant had "no remorse" for actions that were "premeditated" and "cold," a 2nd Circuit Judge ordered Ronald Bonilla Sr. to serve 15 years in prison for his role in a murder-for-hire scheme six years ago.
Judge Rhonda Loo, who was bound to follow a plea agreement in the case, told Bonilla that he showed "no remorse."
She said Bonilla and another man agreed to kill a man for $3,350.
Nearly six years ago, a Lahaina man reported being handcuffed and forced into a vehicle in West Maui then driven through Kahakuloa to Kahului where he was beaten Nov. 9, 2006.
The victim was released after promising to pay $100,000 to Bonilla, who was identified as one of the assailants along with co-defendant Lawrence Verzosa.
Bonilla, of Paia, was arrested the next day when he showed up in Kapalua to collect money from the victim, police said.
A police investigation showed that Aniano Yabo of Lahaina had offered to pay $3,350 to Bonilla and Verzosa if they would beat and kill the victim, who was involved with Yabo's wife.
Bonilla, 66, was charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder of the victim, including a reported second attempt a few months later when Bonilla sought assistance through contacts while in jail, police said.
In accordance with a plea agreement, Bonilla pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree theft. He also entered a conditional guilty plea to having a loaded firearm on a public highway, which carries a 10-year term.
For more on this story, read the Thursday issue of The Maui News.
