By Francis Talasasa , Reporter
A trio was found guilty of Assault in the First Degree and Assault in the Second Degree according to the verdict issued by Supreme Court of the Republic of Palau against Kobe Marbou, Johnston Etpison and Anthony U. Tellei on September 13.
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The three young men faced two serious criminal charges for attacking Khan Francis Matsuoka with a machete on July 9, 2016.
The court heard the 3 men were at Bayside bar on July 9. According to witnesses, they arrived in a vehicle with their faces covered and chased down Matsuoka. A witness heard one of the attackers say to attack anyone in “red shirt”.
Witnesses said the victim ran to escape the attackers. A short time later the attackers returned to their vehicle and flee. The witnesses found the victim lying unconscious on the ground bleeding.
The victim was rushed to the Belau National Hospital for treatment that night with serious wounds.
He suffered cuts to head and face and multiple fractures also to the head and bruises to the body. He had to be transported to Philippines for further treatment.
The court having satisfied with all its trial examinations, through evidences provided issued guilty verdict against the trio, Marbou, Etpison and Tellei on September 13.
The defendants will know their fate when they appear for sentencing on October 19. [/restriction]