LIHU‘E — Justin Wynn Klein, the fugitive who was indicted for attempted second-degree murder, remains at-large as the island-wide search begins its third week. A grand jury returned an indictment against Klein, 37, on Dec. 27, alleging that he threw
LIHU‘E — Justin Wynn Klein, the fugitive who was indicted for attempted second-degree murder, remains at-large as the island-wide search begins its third week.
A grand jury returned an indictment against Klein, 37, on Dec. 27, alleging that he threw a Japanese national, Azusa Ino, also known as Shita, off a cliff face in Kalalau Valley on Dec. 16.
Ino, 31, was hiking with a companion and fell 15 feet. She was airlifted from Kalalau and was admitted to Wilcox Memorial Hospital in critical condition. Ino was released from the hospital on Dec. 26.
Klein was indicted by a grand jury for attempted second-degree murder on Dec. 27.
Bail for Klein if and when he is apprehended is set at $1 million.
Police officials haved reported been following through on several leads and reported sightings of Klein. So far, none has led to his arrest and access to the Kalalau Trail remains closed.
Two emails to The Garden Island claimed that Klein flew off island on Dec. 24, and that the Kaua‘i Police Department reacted to an airport security alert three hours after Klein had left.
Those rumors were unfounded, according to county spokesperson Sarah Blane, adding that KPD dispatch logs show that no calls were made regarding Klein at the airport.
KPD provided the Transportation Security Administration with Klein’s information and a photo early on Dec. 17.
CrimeStoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for anyone with information leading to his arrest. Members of the public should not approach Klein as he is believed to be dangerous.
Any person having information on Klein’s whereabouts should contact the Kauai Police Department immediately at 241-1711 or via CrimeStoppers, 241-1887.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or tlaventure@thegardenisland.com.
