LIHU‘E — A grand jury has returned an indictment against Justin Wynn Klein, the 37-year old suspect in the attempted murder of a hiker in the Kalalau Valley.
Klein, who remains at-large, is accused of pushing a Japanese national off of a cliff. The victim was a hiker who was camping in the Kalalau Valley.
County First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Takata presented the matter to a 5th Circuit grand jury on Thursday. It returned with a “true bill” accusation of a crime to the court. Bail was set at $1 million, according to a country press release.
At the Kaua‘i Police Commission meeting Friday, County Prosecuting Attorney Justin F. Kollar said Takata is a significant asset to Kaua‘i, with a quarter-century of experience prosecuting the most difficult cases.
Kollar also thanked the detectives with the Investigative Services Bureau of the Kauai Police Department, who he said are professional and were diligent during the recent situation in Kalalau Valley.
“With their assistance, our office was able to present the matter to a grand jury Thursday, which did return an indictment against the suspect,” Kollar said.
In a press release Kollar also thanked the translators, the Kauai Visitors Bureau and victim witness support counselors who helped bring the case to court.
“It is due to their hard work and diligence, under challenging circumstances, that we were able to bring this case to the grand jury quickly, stated Kollar. “We hope Mr. Klein is apprehended soon.”
Kaua‘i Chief of Police Darryl Perry in his report to the Police Commission on Friday, said the multi-agency manhunt continues for Klein, and he is asking the public to come forward with any information about his whereabouts. He thanked DLNR and state officials for helping police work in difficult terrain.
“Klein is a dangerous person and we want to make sure that he is not in our community, so please call us,” Perry said.
Members of the public should not approach Mr. Klein as he is believed to be dangerous. Any person having information on Mr. Klein’s whereabouts should contact the Kauai Police Department immediately at 241-1711 or via CrimeStoppers, 241-1887.
