LIHU‘E — The name of a burglary suspect found dead inside of a stolen vehicle on Jan. 19 is still pending positive identification. The body is believed to be that of a man who robbed an 82-year-old Hanalei man at
LIHU‘E — The name of a burglary suspect found dead inside of a stolen vehicle on Jan. 19 is still pending positive identification.
The body is believed to be that of a man who robbed an 82-year-old Hanalei man at gunpoint on Jan. 18. The robber took a small amount of money and the Hanalei man’s vehicle after tying him up. The vehicle was discovered in Princeville the following day with a body inside.
According to Kaua‘i Police Department, to confirm the identity of the body, they must either receive confirmation from the decedent’s next of kin, a positive match of finger prints, dental records or DNA.
A decedent has not yet been positively identified, according to police, and is why they are not releasing the name. A next of kin confirmation is typically the quickest form of identification, according to police, and in this case there is not one that is immediately available.
“At this point, KPD remains diligent in exploring all possible avenues to positively ID this individual and will update the media and the public as soon as one is available,” county spokeswoman Sarah Blaine said.
A county press release issued following inquiries by The Garden Island states that the police believe the dead man is the suspect. An autopsy was scheduled and KPD Chief Darryl Perry said at that time there was no reason to believe the death was a homicide.
Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to call KPD at 241-1711, the Investigative Services Bureau at 241-1696 or CrimeStoppers at 241-1887.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or tlaventure@ thegardenisland.com.
