76-Year-Old Kahului Woman Charged with Negligent Homicide

A 76-year-old Kahului woman was charged with first degree negligent homicide in regards to a motor vehicle fatality that took place on Jan. 7, 2019.

Maui police said Tomasita Barut had been driving a Nissan Sentra when she struck Segundina Cortez, 56, also of Kahului. Cortez was in a crosswalk, walking across Puʻunēnē Avneue near East Hawaiʻi Street when the collision took place. She later died of her injuries.

After a police investigation and prosecutor’s review of the case, a bench warrant was issued for Barut’s arrest and she was picked up by officers on Aug. 2, 2019. Barut was released after posting $5,000 bail.