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Kaneohe man pleads guilty to killing former football teammate

STAR-ADVERTISER / DEC. 2011

Makuola Collins appeared in court, Dec. 2011, accused of killing former Castle High School star quarterback Joel Botelho. Collins pleaded guilty in state court this morning to manslaughter.

A 33-year-old Kaneohe man, whose conviction for murdering his childhood friend was overturned on appeal, pleaded guilty in state court this morning to manslaughter.

Makuola Collins also pleaded guilty to using a firearm to shoot and kill 28-year-old Joel Botelho in January 2011.

His sentencing is scheduled for September.

As part of his plea deal with the state, Collins agreed to accept a 30-year prison term and serve at least 10 years behind bars before he can be eligible for parole. The Hawaii Paroling Authority can set a higher minimum, but, as part of the plea deal, the state will recommend 25 years.

Collins and Botelho grew up near each other, were classmates since elementary school, played youth sports together and were co-captains on Castle High School’s football team.

According to trial testimony, the early-morning shooting happened after a barroom confrontation between Collins and Botelho’s brother Leon.

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