HONOLULU (KHON2) — The suspect accused of murdering the woman whose body was found in a burned vehicle has been charged, according to police.
The Honolulu Police Department said through the help of witnesses they were able to arrest 25-year-old Samuel Jones on Monday.
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By Wednesday, police confirmed that Jones was charged with murder in the second degree and arson in the first degree. His bail was set at $1 million.
The victim was identified as 21-year-old Laau Laulusa, family and friends said she was known by her middle name Jordan.
According to the family, the suspect was in a relationship with Laulusa.
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Witnesses told police on Monday that they saw Jones opening and closing the doors to the car in the parking lot of Mililani High School. He then ran off but was located and arrested by police shortly after.
On Tuesday, friends and family gathered at the parking lot of the school to mourn the loss of Laulusa.
According to Laulusa’s family, she joined Army National Guard and had big plans to travel the world.
A statement from the Department of Education was sent out on Monday:
“The Department stands ready to assist law enforcement with their investigation, if needed.”
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The DOE said no students were impacted during the incident because school is on spring break.