Police running down leads in Jackson murder

LIHU‘E — While remaining tight-lipped for the most part regarding the ongoing Amber Jackson murder investigation, Kaua‘i Police Department investigators did say Monday that they are following up on all leads offered by the public.

Jackson, 57, of Kapa‘a, was last seen alive on the night of June 23. Her body was found by a hunter in a remote, wooded area in Kealia on July 3.

Friends who earlier gathered a $10,000 reward for information leading to her safe return have now pledged that money to anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of the murderer or murderers.

County and KPD officials at the time Jackson’s body was discovered said there is no evidence Jackson’s case is related to any of the string of rapes and murders that occurred on the Westside in 1999.

Police have not offered any information on whether Jackson was sexually assaulted, only that an autopsy revealed the injuries leading to her death were the result of an assault.

Roy Asher, KPD assistant chief in charge of the Investigative Services Bureau, said detectives have been following up on every tip received in any manner, including the dispatch line, 241-1711, and Crime Stoppers, 241-1887.

He confirmed that detectives have been successful in tracking down and eliminating as rumor certain leads offered by the public, adding that investigators do not have the ability to reject any lead.

“Each has to be followed up on,” he said.

Asher also offered words of advice to Kapa‘a-area residents who are still on edge about a murder of one of their neighbors: “Invest in an alarm system or professional guard service, emphasis on ‘professional.’”

He offered no comment when asked if a person of interest has been identified in the investigation or if there have been credible-information calls received by dispatch, Crime Stoppers and ISB.

• Paul C. Curtis, assistant editor and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or pcurtis@kauaipubco.com.