LIHU’E – An 18-year-old woman and her boyfriend were identified Monday by authorities as the suspects arrested last Saturday in connection with the murder last month of her father. Amber Brisebois, 18, who earlier told investigators that she found the
LIHU’E – An 18-year-old woman and her boyfriend were identified Monday by
authorities as the suspects arrested last Saturday in connection with the
murder last month of her father.
Amber Brisebois, 18, who earlier told
investigators that she found the body of Jeffery Brisebois at his Wainiha home,
and Matthew Blankswade, 21, face charges of second-degree murder. Arraignment
is scheduled in Kaua’i District Court tomorrow. Police inspector Melvin Morris
said an additional charge could be filed.
The suspects remained in custody
this morning at the Kaua’i Community Correctional Center. Bail of $20,000 was
set for each.
Jeffery Brisebois, 48, a surfboard builder and landscaper,
was found shot to death June 26 in his home in remote Wainiha Valley.
After Saturday’s arrests, police initially identified the suspects only as
a man and woman from Wainiha.
Authorities said the body of Brisebois, who
lived alone, was discovered by his daughter at his home on Powerhouse
Road.
According to investigators, a neighbor heard a gunshot the morning
of June 26 but wasn’t concerned because shots from hunters were often heard in
the area.
Morris said numerous people were questioned by detectives in
connection with the case.
Brisebois was convicted of assault and other
charges, authorities said. They said he also had an extensive record of
disagreements with neighbors over property access and other issues, leading to
restraining orders for him and neighbors.
Staff writer Lester Chang
contributed to this report.
