William Michael Bell, who has been in custody at the Hawaii State Hospital for over two and a half years, has finally been deemed fit to stand trial for the alleged second-degree murder of 77-year-old security guard Michael “Mike” Chu. This significant development paves the way for the resumption of court proceedings in a case that has drawn considerable attention within the Kaneohe community.
The tragic incident unfolded when Chu, a respected resident of Kailua, was found fatally stabbed in his car within the parking lot of the Windward City Shopping Center, specifically near the 24 Hour Fitness. He was scheduled to begin his security guard shift at 6 a.m., making the discovery of his body particularly distressing.
Bell’s extensive stay at the Hawaii State Hospital was primarily due to concerns regarding his mental competency. A comprehensive assessment conducted by a panel of three mental health experts ultimately concluded that Bell was indeed fit for trial, a crucial determination made by Judge Ronald Johnson on June 24.
Following this finding, Judge Johnson approved Bell’s request to reschedule his trial date. Originally set for August 25, the proceedings will now commence on April 13 before Judge Fa ‘auuga To ‘oto ‘o, a change that involved Bell waiving his right to a speedy trial.
Despite being found fit for trial, Bell’s bail has been steadfastly maintained at $1 million, reflecting the serious nature of the charges he faces. Furthermore, the court has ordered that William Michael Bell remain incarcerated at the Hawaii State Hospital until his murder trial officially begins.
The initial discovery of Chu’s body painted a grim picture, with the victim found bleeding profoundly inside his vehicle. The circumstances surrounding his death were immediately suspicious, prompting an intensive investigation into the events leading up to the stabbing.
A key piece of early evidence came from a fellow security guard who was scheduled to relieve Chu. This witness reported hearing a verbal confrontation in the parking lot just prior to the discovery, and observed a man walking away from the driver’s side of Chu’s car, an account that proved vital in the ensuing police inquiry.
Bell’s arrest occurred on December 7, 2022, not directly related to the stabbing incident at that moment, but rather after a separate court appearance for a weapons case at the Honolulu District Court. This prior legal entanglement adds another layer of complexity to the profile of the accused.
As the legal system prepares to navigate the intricacies of this murder trial, the community in Kaneohe and beyond awaits justice for Michael Chu. The upcoming proceedings are expected to shed further light on the circumstances of the alleged crime and bring resolution to this prolonged and somber case.
