HomeMy WebLinkAbout20201002 (Kaua`i police identify remains from unattended death)
THE COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: October 2, 2020
KAUA‘I POLICE DEPARTMENT
TODD G. RAYBUCK, CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-1600
Fax (808) 241-1604
Kaua‘i police identify remains from unattended death
LĪHU‘E – The Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) has identified the remains that were
found last year along the mountain trail behind Kalepa Village Apartments off Hulei Road in
Hanamāʽulu as Harry Higashi Jr.
Due to the public’s assistance, Kauaʽi police were able to make a positive identification.
Higashi’s family members provided DNA samples to compare with the remains and through the
use of KPD’s Applied Biosystems RapidHIT ID System TM from Thermo Fisher Scientific ̶ a new,
advanced form of DNA technology ̶ an accurate identification was made in a timely fashion.
“First of all, I want to express my deepest condolences to Harry’s family. I also want to
express my sincere gratitude to the public for their help. After we asked for the public’s help in
identifying the remains last week, I received many phone calls, as well as a number of
anonymous tips that came through our Crime Stoppers Kauaʽi P3 Tips app, that collectively led
to our ability to solve this case and bring closure to the family,” said Investigative Services
Bureau Assistant Chief Bryson Ponce. “I also want to thank our detectives and our Crime Scene
and Laboratory Section for working so diligently on this over the past year.”
KPD had been conducting extensive research and DNA analysis in an attempt to identify
the remains since they were discovered, including referencing missing persons cases.
Higashi had not been reported as a missing person and was believed to have been
affiliated with a former camp near where his remains were discovered.
His remains were discovered on June 11, 2019 about 25 yards south of the paved
mountain trail by a group of individuals who had been cutting trees for firewood in the area. The
case is classified as an unattende d death and no foul play is suspected.
“This individual wasn’t connected to a missing person case but we haven’t forgotten the
individuals who, to this day, remain missing. We will continue our efforts to bring closure to the
families who are still missing their loved ones,” said Assistant Chief Ponce. “Please remember
that you can report an anonymous tip at any time to Crime Stoppers Kauaʽi .”
To report an anonymous tip please call Crime Stoppers Kauaʽi at 246 -8300 or visit
www.crimestopperskauai.org where you also have the option to download the P3 Tips app.
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