Updated at 5:40 p.m., Friday, April 27, 2007
Suspect in Watanabe homicide case loses job
Advertiser Staff
The pest control company that employed the man arrested in connection with the disappearance of a 21-year-old Japanese national has terminated his employment, according to a news release issued this morning.Kirk Lankford, 22, had been employed by Hauoli Pest Control as a technician since 2003, according to the release.
"We join with the rest of the community in offering our thoughts and prayers to the friends and family of Masumi Watanabe," the release said. "We will continue to cooperate fully with authorities in this investigation."
Watanabe, a Japanese visitor staying on the North Shore, was last seen April 12 and was reported missing by her host family when she did not return from her daily walk on Pupukea Road.
Police said blood and items possibly belonging to Watanabe were found in a pickup truck belonging to Lankford that was impounded last week. Lankford was arrested yesterday in connection to the case, which was has been reclassified from missing-person to a homicide.
Police have 48 hours, or until about 5 p.m. tomorrow, to present a case to prosecutors for charges, or would have to release Lankford.
