HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR021519KauaipoliceinvestigatingsecondunattendeddeathinWailuaF� OF
THE COUNTY OF KAUA'I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
qa 4 MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
OF
News Release
For Immediate Release: February 15, 2019
KAUA`I POLICE DEPARTMENT
MICHAEL M. CONTRADES, ACTING CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-1600
Fax (808) 241-1604
Kauai police investigating second unattended death in Wailua
WAILUA — Kaua`i 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.