After Japanese Visitor Thrown from a Cliff, Kauai Police Continue Manhunt for Attempted Murder Suspect

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View of Haena from beginning of Na Pali Coast on Kauai’s North Side

Justin Wynn Klein nearly murdered a Japanese visitor on Sunday when he threw her over a cliff in Kalalau Valley.

The visitor from Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, who had been camping in Kalalau, fell 15 feet and was hospitalized at Wilcox Memorial Hospital  in critical condition. The county reports she has since been upgraded from critical to stable condition.

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Since the attempted murder on Sunday, Kauai police have been engaged in an intense manhunt for Klein.

They’ve closed off the popular Kee Beach trail where the entrance to Kalalau Valley is on Kauai’s North Shore until Klein is found.

Residents report police are searching by helicopter and have also posted police cars on the road leading to the trail.

Crimestoppers on Kauai – along with police – announced a $1,000 reward for information that directly leads to Klein’s arrest.

Today, Kauai Police Chief Darryl Perry gave an update on the case.

“To ensure the public’s safety, our officers, in conjunction with personnel from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the assistance of our Kaua‘i Fire Department, have spent the last two days clearing the valley of any campers who could be located as we continue our search for Justin Wynn Klein.

Reward Offered for Justin Klein

“We want to thank the community for your understanding and patience during this critical time.

“We also want to thank those who have contacted police with information on Klein’s possible whereabouts.

“We are diligently following up on all leads and doing our best to bring this dangerous man to justice and restore a sense of security within our community.

“Again, we express our sincerest gratitude for your continued support.”

Police have described the 37-year-old Klein as 6’1″ and 200 lbs, with brown eyes, brown spiked hair and a mustache and beard. He has a tattoo on his upper left arm in the shape of a band. Police considered him dangerous, and do not want the public to approach him.

Instead they are asking anyone with information about Klein’s whereabouts to call Kaua‘i Police at 241-1711 or call CrimeStoppers, 241-1887.

The entrance to the hiking trail, frequented by both visitors and residents, is closed until further notice, Perry said.

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8 COMMENTS

  1. Can we please get a picture of the suspect?! How can we the citizens of Kaua'i help our police department by keeping a lookout for this guy if we have no picture?

  2. 1000 US$. Yeah, right.
    Kauai attracts a lot of criminals and if you call the police they won't help you.

    I was victim of an assault on the Haena Camping ground. I called the police. Some Rambo officer arrived, yelled at me and arrested… me (because I was injured and the wrong skin color it seems and because the people who attacked me were on very good terms with that disgrace of an officer). I officially complained to the Chief of police and the Police commission but they both refused to investigate and prefer to protect the racist and incompetent police officer.
    So, trust me. They don't care about a Japanese tourist.

  3. He was arrested on Kauai in April, and found fit to stand trial in June.. facing attempted second degree murder charge.

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