The parents of a woman who was murdered nearly eight months ago are raising the reward amount to $8,000 for anyone who has information that could lead to the arrest of the killer. Lawrence and Toshie Mendonca increased the reward
The parents of a woman who was murdered nearly eight months ago are raising the reward amount to $8,000 for anyone who has information that could lead to the arrest of the killer.
Lawrence and Toshie Mendonca increased the reward this week for answers to the nightmare that began when their 27-year-old daughter, Sandra Galas, was found dead in her car around 9:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at 549 Lei Papa Place, Ele’ele Nani.
Galas left behind two small children, who are in the custody of their father, Darren Galas.
Galas died of strangulation with a cordlike object and blunt-force trauma to her head, according to her death certificate.
Galas had been married since 1999, but separated from her husband in April 2005. She filed for divorce in August 2005. The two were in a legal battle over the custody of their children when Galas was murdered.
Galas, who had been hit by her husband when they were married, filed charges against him for domestic abuse in November 2005.
Mendonca, who said he has faith in the Kauai Police Department detectives working the case, is also trying to appeal to local residents for help.
“… Many local people will say to me, ‘I don’t want to get involved,’ ” Mendonca said. “We need the support of the public. If people have seen anything n not only in this case n they should report it.”
Though Mendonca is clear about being grateful to all the work KPD has done so far, he admitted some frustration over the investigative process.
“The investigative department is so understaffed. It’s pathetic,” he said. “They’re short-handed and overworked.”
KPD spokeswoman Mary Daubert could not confirm whether forensic evidence lab results will be released related to the case, nor whether there are any suspects.
It’s normal procedure for the KPD not to comment on cases during an open investigation. There is often only one chance to prosecute, so officers are very guarded about the process.
KPD has 26 open positions but has filled 11 of them so far this month.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call detectives Sam Sheldon, 241-1688, or Marvin Rivera, 241-1687.
Want to help?
To contribute to the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Sandra Galas’ murderer, or to get a free “Never Forget Sandy G” sticker, contact her father, Lawrence Mendonca, at 822-0726.
• Amanda C. Gregg, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or agregg@kauaipubco.com
