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WEST JORDAN -- The final person convicted in the brutal beating of a West Jordan man appeared in court to learn his fate Monday. A district judge sentenced the man charged in the murder and kidnapping of Jay Wolfinjer.
Fonua Kimoana is the fourth and final person to be sentenced in the case. Three others are in prison for the beating death of Wolfinjer. Kimoana will face a similar sentence. The judge gave him six years to life for aggravated kidnapping and 15 years to life for murder.
Pailate Lomu, Tuusao Ama, Ooleanui Kaina Salanoa and Kimoana are the four people charged and convicted in the murder of Wolfinjer over a gang-related drug debt of $750. Wolfinjer's badly beaten body was found in a West Valley shed on October 9, 2008.
The 32-year-old man's hands and feet were bound, a shirt was wound around his head and a chain was wrapped around his waist. He was still alive but died later at a hospital.
In court Monday, Kimoana read a statement to the victim's family, his family and the court. He said, "I am truly sorry. I am sorry for selfish and cowardly act. I am here today to take full responsibility."
His attorney, John Johnson, said the judge's decision was fair and reasonable.
"I think the situation was a terrible, terrible, terrible tragedy. My client did what he needed to do to accept responsibility. I'm very proud of him. I think he's ashamed of his actions," Johnson said.
A.J. Wolfinjer, the victim's cousin, also addressed the court. He said he wanted Kimoana's family to teach their children about drugs. He said there is no reason why he should have lost a family member.
"Thinking of my own children and other people's children, and thinking over $50, was it really worth it?" A.J. Wolfinjer asked. "Hopefully the parents will teach their children that drugs and alcohol and being a gang member and doing these types of things just isn't worth it."
Jay Wolfinjer's mother lives out of state and sent in an audio tape. In her statement she said "Jay was very special and will always be missed."
E-Mail: aforester@ksl.com
