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Posted: Wednesday, September 26th, 2012 9:03 AM HST

Man sentenced in child’s death

By Ken Hupp - 67AM KPUA News

Circuit Judge Ron Ibarra has sentenced a Big Island man to a maximum 20 years in prison for the death of a 3-year old girl and for abusing her mother and two sisters ages 2 and 6. 37-year old Ezekiel Wakinekona pled guilty to manslaughter June 8th in the death of Marley Makanani, who suffered brain damage from a near drowning, head trauma and abdominal injuries. Court affidavits revealed Wakinekona found the girl partially submerged in the bathtub and was in a coma from the near-drowning and physical abuse. The emergency room doctor found several bruises on her legs and a laceration on her hip consistent with child abuse.