Isabella Kalua.Photo: Honolulu Police Department
The adoptive parents of Isabella “Ariel” Kalua," the 6-year-old girl who went missing in September, have been arrested and charged with her murder.
On Wednesday, the Honolulu Police Department revealed during anews conferencethat Isaac and Lehua Kalua have been charged with second-degree murder in the death of their adopted daughter — who they initially reportedmissing. Lehua and Isaac’s attorney, William Harrison, did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Interim Honolulu Police Chief Rade Vanic added, “Unfortunately, what began as a search for a missing girl turned into a murder investigation focused on the Kaluas. While we are unable to discuss the details at this time, we believe that the evidence leads to the Kaluas and no one else.”
Arrest logsshow that Isaac and Lehua were arrested at approximately 7:10 a.m. local time Wednesday. Moszkowicz said during the news conference that investigators searched both the Kalua family home and the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, where Isaac works, for evidence in Ariel’s murder.
Police also said during the news conference that the investigation was ongoing, and that Ariel’s cause of death remains under investigation. Lieutenant Deena Thoemmes confirmed during the conference that “foul play was involved.” Moszkowicz said that the young girl’s remains “have not yet been recovered.”
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Ariel had been living with Sonny and Lehua as her foster parents before the couple adopted her within the past year,theStar-Advertiserreported.
In anupdateposted to the Honolulu Police Department website, authorities asked the public to call CrimeStoppers (955-8300) with any information about the case, or to send anonymous tips to www.honolulucrimestoppers.org or through the P3 Tips app.
source: people.com
