Kaua'i police seek clues into how woman died

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Kaua'i Bureau

LIHU'E, Kaua'i — Police are trying to piece together the final hours of a woman whose fully clothed body was found floating Nov. 29 in the ocean east of Anini County Beach Park.

Assistant Chief Gordon Isoda said investigators have tentatively identified the woman, but have been unable to locate her family to notify them of her death. She reportedly had been camping at the beach park.

The woman was described as a 42-year-old Caucasian with brown hair. She was wearing jeans and a red blouse, earrings and a ring.

Firefighters estimated she had been in the water overnight when she was found that Saturday morning. An autopsy has been performed, but no details will be released until toxicology tests are complete, Isoda said. He would not say whether there was evidence of violence.

Detectives have interviewed a few individuals who were in the area at the time, but would appreciate a call from anyone who recognizes the woman's description and who may know something about where she was on the night of Friday, Nov. 28. Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers at 241-1887.

In an unrelated death that occurred on the same day, an autopsy concluded that Raeanne Cordova, 22, of California, drowned while swimming at the Kipu Falls area of the Hule'ia River. She had been with a friend, swimming and jumping into the pool below the waterfall, when she disappeared into the murky water. Firefighters conducted dives in the pool and found her body several hours later.

Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 245-3074.