All of Kaua’i wants murder cases solved

Developments this week continued to focus attention on what may be the single

biggest goal shared by Kauaians: Catching the West Side serial

killer.

Police believe the murders of two women and the apparent attempted

killing of a third woman since April may be the work of one person, as

emphasized by a sketch of a possible male suspect that has been circulated

through the news media for months.

The connection grew stronger earlier

this week when police revealed that there is a witness to the stabbing and

beating of the woman who survived May 22. The problem, investigators say, is

that the witness so far hadn’t talked to them – a potentially important missing

link in the drive to apprehend whoever stalked the three victims and took two

of their lives.

Police also indicated strongly that they’re closing in on

the killer. They noted, among other things, that they’re awaiting results of

tests of DNA taken from the victims and “persons of interest,” a police term

for someone who might turn out to be a suspect.

Meanwhile, Mayor Maryanne

Kusaka continues to champion the investigation. She spoke Sunday at a memorial

service at Lydgate Park for Daren Singer, the latest murder victim, and assured

Singer’s friends in attendance that “we all feel a very deep shame” over the

killings and attack and that “every day we work hard” to solve the

crimes.

The next day, Kusaka announced another $5,000 had been raised by

local business groups to add to the reward – now $15,000 – for information

leading to the arrest and conviction of the women’s assailant.

The service

organized by friends of Singer and the public pronouncements of police and

Kusaka helped maintain a high profile for the cases. Continuing that aproach

helps reassure Kaua’i that all efforts are being made to rid the island of a

murderous monster.