Police investigating second unattended death in Wailua

WAILUA – Kauai police are now investigating two unattended deaths after a man and woman were found dead on Thursday along the shorelines of two beaches in Wailua.

Autopsies are pending to determine the exact cause of death. However, police suspect that the two deaths are connected.

At approximately 6 a.m. Thursday, a bystander discovered an unresponsive woman along the shoreline of the beach area known as Kitchens in Wailua. Police responded to the scene and began a homicide investigation, as preliminary evidence revealed the woman may have died as a result of an assault.

Police have identified the woman as 26-year-old Tia Obrero, of Koloa, who was reported missing to police at approximately 3 a.m. Thursday.

Later Thursday morning, a multi-agency land- and sea-search was initiated for a Koloa man who was believed to be with Obrero at the time she was reported missing.

As a result of their search, the man was found dead at approximately 2 p.m. on the rocky shoreline behind Kauai Beach Resort in Wailua. He has been identified as 26-year-old Michael Blackstad.

The investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Volunteers with Life’s Bridges, a grief counseling service, assisted their families.

Police continue to ask anyone with information to call Assistant Chief of the Investigative Services Bureau Bryson Ponce at 241-1681 or Police Dispatch at 241-1711. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers Kauai at 246-8300.