honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, October 10, 2005

Schofield soldier held in slaying

By Peter Boylan
Advertiser Staff Writer

A Schofield Barracks soldier was in police custody yesterday as a suspect in the killing of his ex-girlfriend, a fellow soldier who was beaten, run over with a car and dumped near Ka'ena Point, police said.

Jeffery White, 21, was arrested Saturday night. Army officials turned him over to Honolulu police at 7:50 p.m. Saturday. Army investigators also told homicide detectives where they could find the body of White's ex-girlfriend, who is also stationed at Schofield, police said.

The city medical examiner's office yesterday identified her as Felicia Laduke, 22, of Melekule Street in Wahiawa. An autopsy was ordered.

Police detectives found her body about 6 p.m. Saturday in tall grass about 200 yards from where Farrington Highway ends at Ka'ena Point State Park. It is believed she was killed Friday, police said.

Police said the soldier, who is married, reportedly had been arguing with the woman — with whom he has a child — about child support payments and custody.

Police booked White for investigation of second-degree murder; he was not immediately charged.

Army investigators are working with Honolulu police, Schofield spokesman Troy Griffin said. He declined to comment further on the case. Police said it was not clear how investigators with Schofield's Criminal Investigation Command knew where Laduke's body was or where they found White.

White will be interviewed by homicide detectives and police say they do not expect to turn the case over to federal authorities.

Army investigators are helping police locate military witnesses and are expected to provide police with detailed information about their dealings with White, police said.

Police have impounded Laduke's car, found parked near Schofield Barracks, and will examine it for evidence, police said.

Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.