Pro Surfer Jill Hansen Charged With Attempted Murder of Woman, 73
Pro surfer Jill Hansen has been charged with attempted murder over an alleged hit-and-run incident involving a 73-year-old woman.
Hansen, 30, was arrested last week in Hawaii after what police have called "a road rage incident," in which she allegedly followed an elderly driver to her condo and ran her down once the lady exited her vehicle, reports the Los Angeles Times.
Will Hansen be trading her surfboard for an orange jumpsuit?
Strange 'Intentional' Rundown
Hansen was arrested Wednesday, and victim Elizabeth Conklin told Honolulu's KITV that she thought Hansen was trying to kill her. Conklin claims that Hansen tried to steal her BMW 3 series after running her down, but couldn't get the car started.
But the allegations get worse. According to the Times, witnesses saw Hansen attempt to drive back over Conklin, but she was deterred by a witness who broke Hansen's rear window.
In Hawaii, like many other states, an attempt to commit a crime is often treated the same as successfully completing that crime. However, since murder is such a serious crime with serious consequences, attempted murder is treated separately from murder for sentencing purposes.
However, if prosecutors can prove that Hansen intended to kill Conklin by running her over, she may be facing serious prison time.
Enhanced Sentencing for Elderly Victims
In the Aloha State, Class A felonies like attempted murder can carry up to 20 years to life in prison. However, lawmakers in many states have determined that crimes involving certain types of more vulnerable victims (children, those with disabilities, and the elderly) must serve a greater minimum punishment.
In Hawaii, the mandatory minimum for a Class A felony involving an elderly victim (like Conklin) is six years and eight months. The law requires that the victim sustain "serious or substantial bodily injury," which may be satisfied by the "cuts and bruises" Conklin sustained as a result of the alleged attack.
$1 Million Bail Set
KITV reports that Hansen's bail was set at $1 million, which may be a result of her past criminal history. Honolulu's KGMB-TV reports that Hansen has "a pending assault case" and was previously ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation.
Hansen may be able to argue for a bail reduction at her next court appearance.
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