LIHU‘E — The parents of a woman who was murdered three years ago are raising the reward amount to $20,000 for anyone who has information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for her
LIHU‘E — The parents of a woman who was murdered three years ago are raising the reward amount to $20,000 for anyone who has information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for her death.
Lawrence and Toshie Mendonca are increasing the reward to encourage those who have anonymously provided credible information in the past to once again step forward to elaborate on their earlier leads. They are also hoping that those who have yet to come forward with information about the case will do so soon, in order to help end the nightmare that began for them when their 27-year-old daughter, Sandra Galas, was found dead in her car around 9:30 p.m. Jan. 25, 2006, at 549 Lei Papa Place, in the ‘Ele‘ele Nani subdivision.
Ms. Galas died of strangulation with a cordlike object and blunt-force trauma to her head, according to her death certificate. Sandra’s father, Lawrence Mendonca, believes that the Kaua‘i Police Department is doing all it can to find his daughter’s killer.
Although police have “looked at” everyone who was closely involved in her life, the case remains active and their investigation continues.
Acccording to a release, in response to an e-mail query from Mr. Mendonca last year, KPD Chief Darryl Perry said, “we must remember that the person who murdered Sandra may still be residing in our community. I want this person to know that we won’t forget, and we won’t give up. Whether it’s tomorrow, a month from now, or years from now, we will not rest, because someone out there knows something, and we’re hoping that they come forward to assist us.”
Perry added, “If the person who committed this act reads about our efforts, I hope that he or she will come forward, and do what’s right and just, and make a full confession.”
Although Sandra’s father has faith in the Kaua‘i Police Department detectives who are working the case, he is also hoping to appeal to local residents for their input. To this end, he and his wife, Toshie, are raising their reward amount in the hope of encouraging productive leads that will help tip the scales in their daughter’s favor.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call detectives Sam Sheldon, 241-1688, or Marvin Rivera, 241-1687.
Also, anyone wishing to help raise awareness about this case can obtain a free “Never Forget Sandy G” bumper sticker simply by contacting Lawrence Mendonca, at 822-0726.
