WAIMEA, Hawaii (AP) — Bail for a Washington state man charged with murdering his girlfriend at a Big Island resort has been increased to $2 million.
Philip Howard Zimmerman’s preliminary hearing Tuesday was postponed to determine whether he qualifies for a public defender.
His request for a public defender was denied because he owns property in Washington.
A June 7 hearing is to determine if a public defender can represent him.
The 46-year-old Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the death of 44-year-old Susan Brockert.
Zimmerman and Brockert are from Bellevue, Wash. and were staying together at The Fairmont Orchid at Mauna Lani Resort when guests heard screaming from their room last week.
Security and staff rushed to the room where a worker saw Brockert being struck in the head with an object.
