DNA test links Filipino to 1991 killing of Hawaii tourist

NEW YORK — Investigators have identified a 57-year-old Filipino as suspect in the 1991 kidnapping, rape, and murder of tourist in Hawaii based on DNA.

Hawaii Police chief Ben Moszkowicz said the suspect, identified as Albert Lauro Jr., was arrested on July 19 but was released due to lack of probable cause.

Lauro, however, took his own life four days after authorities collected his DNA samples last week. Test conducted on the samples confirmed that he was the suspect in the killing of victim Dana Ireland.

Ireland's body was found on Christmas Eve in 1991 in Kapoho, Hawaii. At that time, she was vacationing in Hawaii from Virginia. 

Three men were wrongfully convicted of the crime and spent 26 years in prison before being exonerated. One of them was killed by a fellow inmate.

The case was reopened after Lauro's DNA matched evidence from the crime scene, public records, and other identifying information. 

Forensic examinations revealed that Lauro lived near where Ireland's body was found at the time of the crime..

Moszkowicz did not disclose details about Lauro's suicide, stating that the investigation is ongoing to ensure justice for the victim's family.

In a report on ABC News, Hawaii Police Department Capt. Rio Amon-Wilkins said Lauro's exact involvement in the crime "is still under investigation." —KBK, GMA Integrated News