In an astonishing turn of events, a 46-year-old cold case involving the tragic death of a Hawaii teenager has moved toward resolution, thanks to groundbreaking advances in DNA technology. The case, dating back to 1977, has haunted the memories of many, including former students and staff of McKinley High School in Honolulu. The murder of 16-year-old Dawn Momohara, who was found dead on the school's premises, remained unsolved for decades, casting a long shadow over the community.
Suzanne Chun Oakland, a former Hawaii lawmaker and an alumna of McKinley High School, vividly recalls the atmosphere on campus when the news of Momohara’s death spread. Everything spread really quickly, she said, reminiscing about the profound impact the event had on the student body. Despite not knowing Momohara personally, Chun Oakland and her peers carried the burden of the unsolved case throughout their lives.
Hope for justice was reignited last week when police arrested Gideon Castro, a 66-year-old former McKinley student, at a nursing home in Utah. The arrest was made possible by utilizing advanced DNA testing techniques. Castro is now set to appear in the Salt Lake County District Court, with a bond set at $250,000.
The case dates back to March 21, 1977, when police discovered Momohara’s body on the second floor of one of the school’s buildings. She had been assaulted and strangled, a harrowing discovery that shook the community. Grant Okamura, then the band teacher at McKinley High, remembers the day with precision. One of his students, Momohara's sister, arrived at school unaware of the tragedy. The other students were trying to console her, Okamura reminisced, highlighting the pervasive sense of grief that enveloped the school.
Momohara's last interactions were documented shortly before her death. She had reportedly received a call from an unidentified male and told her mother she was meeting friends at a shopping center. Unfortunately, this was the last time her family would see her alive.
Despite police efforts, including sketches of a person of interest and a description of a possible vehicle, the case went cold. However, in 2019, detectives revisited the evidence, leading to the creation of a DNA profile the following year. This renewed investigation traced leads to two brothers, both former students, who were initially interviewed in 1977. It was through further DNA analysis that Castro was identified as the primary suspect.
Honolulu police traveled to Chicago to obtain additional DNA samples from the family of one of the brothers. The breakthrough came when DNA evidence from Castro's adult son matched the crime scene, confirming the connection to Momohara's murder. Honolulu police arrested Castro in 2023, marking a significant step toward justice for Momohara.
Chun Oakland, who subsequently served as a Democratic member of the Hawaii Senate, expressed her relief that advancements in technology allowed for this case to reach the brink of closure. As a former board member of Hawaii's Sex Abuse Treatment Center, she understands deeply the impact of such crimes on individuals and the community.
Reflecting on the case's progression, Chun Oakland commented, I think the community in general, and our elected officials, recognize the importance of preserving evidence, ensuring justice for the victims. As the community comes to grips with this new development, there is a shared hope for healing and a sense of closure after so many years of unanswered questions.