Waipahu Woman Opts for Judge’s Verdict Over Jury in Animal Cruelty Case
HONOLULU — A Waipahu woman entered a not guilty plea to a charge of misdemeanor animal cruelty during a court appearance via Zoom on Wednesday. The allegation stems from an incident captured on a doorbell camera video that went viral, showing a woman mistreating a dog. Heather Hinkle, the defendant, chose to forego a jury trial, opting instead for a bench trial where a judge will determine her fate. The decision followed her formal waiver of the right to a jury, conducted during the virtual court session. During the proceedings, the presiding District Court judge … Read more