‘Most Wanted’ looks at unsolved murders on Kaua‘i

It’s “personal” this time for “America’s Most Wanted” host John Walsh, who was on island yesterday filming an upcoming episode for the acclaimed Fox reality TV show.

Although Henry Calucag sits behind bars in state prison after being sentenced in September to 30 years for theft, forgery and identity theft, Walsh said the 58-year-old con artist, also known as Hank Jacinto, should also be indicted for murder.

The body of Kaua‘i businessman John Elwin, a personal friend of Walsh, was found in an unmarked grave six hours outside Manila on May 14, 2006.

He was shot “execution-style,” Walsh said, and left on the side of the road “like a piece of garbage.”

“I’m not going to rest until I see Henry Calucag, or whatever his name is, go down for these murders,” he said outside Waimea Plantation Cottages, where a crew had just taped an unrelated segment on two unsolved Kaua‘i murders. “Justice. That’s what this is all about,” he said.

Kapa‘a resident Luis Soltren, a 30-year friend of Elwin and the appointed executor to his estate, has built much of the case against Calucag for authorities and is the reason “America’s Most Wanted” became involved.

“Luis is the glue,” Walsh said, noting Soltren’s legwork. “I’ve never met anyone like him. He’s putting the case together like Sherlock Holmes.”

Soltren said he contracted Walsh through a mutual friend, Max Segundo, and asked for his help.

“When my friend was murdered and I started working with the KPD and HPD, I developed a real strong respect for what they do,” Soltren said, noting “incredible obstacles.”

“America’s Most Wanted” first featured Elwin’s case last November.

A year later, crews from Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Kaua‘i arrived yesterday morning to start two days of taping here for the next episode, which airs at 8 p.m., Nov. 10, on Fox.

Filming at Waimea Plantation Cottages was chosen for its close proximity to the site where one of three unsolved Westside crimes occurred.

Two women were raped and murdered and another was assaulted but survived seven years ago. Police have said they suspect the crimes committed against the slim, caucasian victims are related.

A 43-year-old Maui surfer’s body was found Aug. 30, 2000, near her campsite at Pakala Point Beach.

The semi-clothed body of a 38-year-old woman was found April 7 that year in a ditch near Polihale State Park.

A 52-year-old Kekaha woman escaped with her life May 22, 2000, after being stabbed in a foiled sexual assault.

The three cases remain open, said Kaua‘i Police Assistant Chief Roy Asher, who was involved in the filming yesterday.

“We’re hoping this could jog someone’s memory or give them the courage to come forward,” he said. “It also lets the public and family know we haven’t forgotten.”

Taping continues today in Hanalei, where Walsh said he plans to ride one of Elwin’s polo horses, as a “symbolic gesture.”

The host of the hit primetime show, now entering its 21st season, said he personally believes Calucag is responsible for more murders.

At least two other men have gone missing after traveling to the Philippines to meet Jacinto, Walsh said. Arthur Young disappeared in 1990, followed by Douglas Ho in 2004.

“(Calucag) grooms his victims,” Walsh said. “Most serial killers don’t get to know you … take you out to eat … murder you … then come back and live in your home.”

The host said Calucag posed as a descendant of Filipino royalty, claiming to be a millionaire at polo events.

Polo clues, he added, became a critical part of the case.

Jacinto was seen riding Elwin’s horses in Honolulu shortly after he went missing, Walsh said.

He also was seen using polo mallets and a helmet that Walsh said he personally helped Elwin have custom made in Florida.

But Calucag’s successful prosecution for theft and forgery crimes was only the first act, Walsh said, the next step is getting an indictment for murder.

• Nathan Eagle, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or neagle@kauaipubco.com.