After suspect’s suicide, Hawaii County police face criticism for how they handled Dana Ireland case
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hawaii Island police are pushing back against criticism of their handling of a suspect in the 1991 killing of Dana Ireland. The 56-year-old killed himself earlier this month after providing a DNA swab — before officers could arrest him in the cold case.
Hawaii police say their hands were tied on July 19 when they met with Albert Lauro, Jr. in connection with the Ireland case. On Christmas Eve 1991, Ireland was kidnapped, beaten and raped. The 23-year-old died the next day of blood loss.
After an extensive search, authorities discovered Lauro’s DNA matched samples collected from the scene — semen, skin and sweat. But police say that only proved Lauro likely was the rapist, and they say there wasn’t enough probable cause to arrest him for murder.
“While there is no time limitation for murder, there is or was for kidnapping and rape. Unfortunately, those time limitations have expired,” said Hawaii County Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz.
“In order for us to make an arrest, establish probable cause, leads us to murder.”
In 2000, three men were convicted in the Ireland killing.
One died in prison. The other two have had their convictions vacated.
Special Section: Who Killed Dana Ireland?
The Hawaii Innocence Project represents them and insists police had enough to arrest Lauro.
“He was just waiting and hoping not to get caught,” said Ken Lawson, of the project. “Now you show up, you swabbing for the DNA. He know it’s going to be a match, and you leave him.”
There is a hearing set for Tuesday in the case.
The judge is expected to find the Schweitzers brothers innocent of Dana Ireland’s murder, and address the evidence from Lauro’s meeting with police.
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