Albert Lauro Jr., recently identified as a new suspect in the 1991 killing and sexual assault of Dana Ireland in Hawaii, died by suicide after police obtained a DNA sample from him. The Hawaii Police Department confirmed that the DNA taken from Ireland’s body matched Lauro’s, a 57-year-old resident of Hawaiian Paradise Park on the Big Island. Lauro’s death occurred shortly after police visited his home to collect a DNA swab, following an earlier sample they gathered from a discarded fork.
Dana Ireland’s case, a tragic and high-profile crime from more than three decades ago, gained renewed attention last year when Albert “Ian” Schweitzer was released from prison after over 20 years, based on new evidence suggesting his innocence. Schweitzer, one of three men originally convicted in the case, has consistently maintained his innocence. A judge is set to rule on a motion to officially exonerate him.
New Suspect in 1991 Hawaii Murder Case Dies by Suicide After DNA Matchhttps://t.co/e4KF4q965v
— Bollywood Fever (@bollywoodfever3) July 30, 2024
Lauro’s residence was located within two miles of the fishing trail where Ireland, 23, was found brutally beaten on Christmas Eve in 1991. She succumbed to her injuries the following day. Despite the DNA evidence linking Lauro to the crime scene, police stated that they did not have enough evidence to charge him with murder, as the presence of his DNA alone was insufficient to prove intent or direct involvement in Ireland’s death.
The Hawaii Police Department acknowledged that while they had probable cause to bring rape charges against Lauro, the statute of limitations for such charges had expired. However, murder charges remain viable under the statute of limitations for Ireland’s death. Authorities are now looking into Lauro’s cellphone and hoping that family and friends who knew him might provide additional information about his activities in 1991 and more recently.
The case has been fraught with controversy and accusations of mishandling. Schweitzer’s attorneys criticized the police for not arresting Lauro immediately after obtaining his DNA, arguing that his subsequent suicide may prevent full disclosure of the events surrounding Ireland’s murder. They have called for a federal investigation into the matter, including an examination of why Lauro was not taken into custody sooner.
Hawaii Innocence Project co-director Ken Lawson expressed disappointment over how the situation was handled, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. He noted that the Schweitzer brothers, who have long sought justice and clarity in the case, were relieved that a new suspect had been identified but were disheartened by Lauro’s death, which they feel may prevent the complete truth from coming to light.
Dana Ireland: DNA on bed sheet leads to suspect in Hawaii’s famous cold-case murder https://t.co/3UafCIyB0J
— Independent US (@IndyUSA) July 30, 2024
The killing of Dana Ireland has been one of Hawaii’s most notorious unsolved crimes, with initial convictions based on dubious witness accounts and questionable evidence. The recent developments, while shedding new light on the case, leave lingering questions and a complex legacy of legal and procedural challenges.
Key Points:
i. Albert Lauro Jr., a new suspect in the 1991 murder of Dana Ireland, died by suicide after a DNA match was confirmed.
ii. The DNA linked Lauro to the crime scene, but police stated they lacked sufficient evidence for a murder charge.
iii. The case resurfaced following the release of Albert “Ian” Schweitzer, previously convicted for Ireland’s murder.
iv. Criticism arose over the police’s handling of Lauro, with calls for a federal investigation into their procedures.
v. The Schweitzer brothers expressed relief at the identification of a new suspect but disappointment over the case’s handling.
Kirk Volo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
