A Hawaii man accused of kidnapping, raping, and killing a 23-year-old woman more than three decades ago has taken his own life days after authorities identified him as a suspect in the cold case.
Albert Lauro Jr., 57, was linked to the slaying of Dana Ireland who was attacked on a fish trail in Kapoho on Dec. 24, 1991.
“For 33 years, our department has been resolute in investigating the Dana Ireland case,” Hawaii Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz said.
Lauro Jr., who lived in Kapoho at the time of the crime, matched DNA evidence recovered from the victim’s body and clothing found at the scene.
Police asked Lauro Jr. to come to their station for a court-ordered buccal swab which he did on July 19.
After the swab confirmed investigators’ findings, and as they prepared to make an arrest, Lauro Jr. was found dead inside his home from a suspected suicide.
“This case is still under investigation. Albert Lauro Jr. has been linked to the victim by DNA; however, his exact involvement is still under investigation. His death was ruled a suicide by the forensic pathologist,” Hawaii Police Capt. Rio Amon-Wilkins said.
A year ago, authorities released Albert “Ian” Schweitzer after he spent over two decades in jail for Ireland’s killing.
