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2 suspects in robbery, kidnapping waive right to preliminary hearing
The two suspects in separate beatings that seriously injured two men whom they also robbed of their wallets and other items waived yesterday their right to a preliminary hearing.
Assistant public defender Michael Sato and court-appointed counsel Robert Myers, counsel for defendants Kesner Esefow and Donovan S. Ludwig respectively, informed the court of their decision to waive preliminary hearing.
Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho granted the defendants’ request and set the arraignment for Monday, Sept. 8.
A preliminary hearing refers to a court proceeding in which a judge determines whether there is a sufficient evidence to hold a defendant for trial.
Esefow, 20, and Ludwig, 22, are being held on charges of robbery, kidnapping, assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault and battery, assault, and disturbing the peace. The two failed to post a $10,000 cash bail each.
The first victim, a 37-year-old Japanese male, sustained a brain contusion, a fractured nose, a fractured eye socket, and internal head bleeding.
The other victim, a 26-year-old Chamorro male, sustained a fractured right orbit below the eyeball, laceration on the back of the head, and a hemorrhage in the right eye.
Police said Esefow and Ludwig separately beat up the victims in Kagman and Garapan last Aug. 24. The suspects also allegedly took the victims’ wallets and other items.
Prior to the beating, police said the four were drinking, eating, and swimming at a beach on Saipan.
