Albert Lauro Jr. Identified as Key Suspect in 1991 Dana Ireland Case
Lauro Dies by Suicide After DNA Match; Case Remains Open Despite Expired Statute of Limitations
According to True Crime News, in Hilo, Hawaii Albert Lauro Jr. recently became a key suspect in the 1991 sexual assault and murder of Dana Ireland. Lauro took his own life just days after giving a DNA sample to the police. On July 29 the Hawaii Police Department confirmed that Lauro was linked to the crime through new DNA technology. Dana Ireland a 23-year-old from Virginia was found injured after being hit by a car on December 24, 1991. She later died in the hospital. For years authorities had been trying to identify “Unknown Male #1,” the person responsible for her death.
Lauro’s DNA matched evidence from the crime scene including Ireland’s body a sheet and a shirt. However police did not arrest Lauro on July 19 because they lacked enough proof that he intentionally caused Ireland’s death and the statute of limitations had expired. Previously three men—Albert “Ian” Schweitzer, Shawn Schweitzer, and Frank Pauline—were wrongly convicted but their convictions were overturned in 2023 due to new evidence.
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Lauro’s Suicide Ends Immediate Investigation, but Dana Ireland Case Remains Open
Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz announced that Lauro died by suicide on July 23 before police could act further. While Lauro’s death ends the immediate investigation the case remains open as police continue to examine the details of Ireland’s death. This case shows how difficult it can be to solve old crimes and the impact of time and new forensic methods on investigations.