Updated at 2:50 p.m.
KOKE‘E — The suspect in a Lawa‘i murder presumably fled to the mountains in Koke‘e State Park, where the Department of Land and Natural Resources have set up a perimeter around the entrance to the first lookout Thursday afternoon.
Kody Kalei Gardner, a 22-year-old Lawa‘i man, is being sought by police in connection with a domestic homicide that occurred toward the end of Kui Lei Street on Thursday morning.
Police said that Gardner fled the scene after the crime and is suspected to be driving a white 2017 GMC pickup truck with license plate number 210TWJ, the Kaua‘i Police Department said.
The Garden Island spotted that vehicle being towed down Koke‘e Road at around 12:30 p.m. Thursday, followed by a police escort.
The road to the first lookout was blocked by a DLNR vehicle, and an officer reported there was “an incident” in progress at the lookout.
The homicide victim is presumed to be Lawa‘i man Kalei Gardner, the soccer coach at Waimea High School. Waimea High School went on lockdown following the incident.
“We are saddened by the tragic news of the passing of our boys’ soccer coach, Kalei Gardner, who was a dear part of our Waimea community. We extend our heartfelt condolences and aloha to the Gardner ‘ohana. Out of respect for the family, we ask that you allow them time to grieve,” wrote Waimea High School Principal Mahina Anguay in a letter on their website.
The Waimea High School lockdown was lifted at 12:13 p.m.
The public is advised to not approach Kody Kalei Gardner. Anyone with information his whereabouts is asked to call 911.
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Guthrie Scrimgeour, reporter, can be reached at 808-647-0329 or gscrimgeour@thegardenisland.com.
12:08 p.m.
Lawa‘i homicide suspect sought by authorities
LAWA‘I — A 22-year-old man is being sought in connection with a homicide in Lawa‘i, authorities said on Thursday morning.
The man was identified as Kody Kalei Gardner of Lawa‘i. He is believed to be driving a white 2017 GMC pickup truck with license plate number 210TWJ, the Kaua‘i Police Department said.
The homicide stemmed from a domestic altercation on Kuilei Street in Lawa‘i early Thursday. Gardner is believed to have fled the scene. The public is advised to not approach Gardner.
Anyone with information about Gardner is asked to call 911.
