A recent development in a decades-old cold case in Hawaii has shed new light on the killing and sexual assault of a Virginia woman, Dana Ireland, who was visiting the Big Island in 1991. The Hawaii Police Department announced that DNA evidence linked 57-year-old Albert Lauro Jr. to Ireland's murder. Lauro, a resident of Hawaiian Paradise Park, took his own life after police obtained a DNA sample from him.
Although the DNA match provided probable cause for rape charges against Lauro, the statute of limitations had expired. Murder charges were still within the statute of limitations, but insufficient evidence prevented authorities from pursuing them. Lauro's suicide further complicated the case, leaving many unanswered questions.
The case took a turn last year when Albert 'Ian' Schweitzer, who had been imprisoned for over two decades for Ireland's murder, was released based on new evidence. Schweitzer had always maintained his innocence, and a judge is expected to rule on his exoneration soon.
The investigation into Lauro faced criticism from Schweitzer's legal team, who alleged that police mishandled the case by not ensuring Lauro's presence after obtaining his DNA. Despite these claims, police denied any wrongdoing and emphasized their commitment to following the evidence.
The push to solve Ireland's murder gained momentum after Schweitzer's release in January 2023. The Innocence Project, along with retired FBI attorney Steven Kramer, played a crucial role in identifying Lauro as a potential suspect through genetic genealogy.
Lauro, who lived near the crime scene at the time of the murder, had access to a pickup truck matching tire marks found at the scene. His familiarity with the area raised suspicions, prompting calls for a federal investigation into why he was not arrested earlier.
The tragic case of Dana Ireland, a young woman brutally assaulted and killed while visiting Hawaii, continues to unfold as new evidence comes to light. The quest for justice remains ongoing, with key players seeking closure and accountability in a case that has haunted the community for over three decades.
