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Kona Victim Identified, Suspect Charged With Murder 08-26-01

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
KONA CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION SECTION
LIEUTENANT HENRY W. HICKMAN
PHONE: 326-4203
AUGUST 26, 2001
G-78489

MEDIA RELEASE UPDATE

Police have identified the 44-year-old victim of an apparent murder as Preston Kealoha Dela Cruz, of Kailua-Kona.

Preliminary autopsy results show that Dela Cruz, whose body was found Friday, suffered blunt force trauma to the head. The exact cause of death has yet to be determined until further lab analysis and examinations have been completed.

A suspect in the case, identified as John A. Hosek, 25, of Kailua-Kona, was charged Sunday with second-degree murder. He is being held at the Kona police cellblock in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Dela Cruz’ body was discovered Friday after Kona patrol officers went to the victim’s residence on Ililoa Street in the Lai’opua subdivision of Kailua-Kona in response to a request to check on his welfare because he had not shown up for work earlier in the day.

Kona Criminal Investigation Section detectives are continuing the murder investigation.

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