In a significant breakthrough, authorities have made an arrest in the 1977 murder case of Dawn Momohara, a 16-year-old student at McKinley High School in Honolulu. The tragic incident, which shook the close-knit community, remained unsolved for nearly five decades until recent advancements in DNA testing led to the identification of a suspect.
Dawn's body was discovered on the school campus, partially clothed and strangled with an orange cloth wrapped tightly around her neck. The investigation at the time yielded numerous leads but ultimately went cold, leaving the case unresolved for years.
It wasn't until 2019 that cold case detectives, utilizing modern DNA technology, began to make progress in the investigation. Through analysis of evidence from Dawn's clothing, a partial DNA profile of an unidentified male was obtained in 2020. Subsequent efforts led investigators to focus on Gideon Castro, a former schoolmate of Dawn.
After obtaining DNA samples from Castro's family members, it was confirmed that his DNA matched the profile found on Dawn's clothing. This crucial evidence led to Castro's arrest at a nursing home in Utah, where he had been residing.
The arrest of Castro, now 66 years old, has brought a mix of emotions to the community. Susie Chun Oakland, who was a sophomore at McKinley High School when the crime occurred, expressed relief that Dawn's family finally has some closure. She emphasized the importance of caring for one another and the significance of seeking justice even after many years have passed.
The resolution of this long-standing case serves as a reminder of the persistence and dedication of law enforcement officials in pursuing justice for victims and their families. While the tragic loss of Dawn Momohara can never be undone, the arrest of Gideon Castro represents a step towards accountability and closure in a case that haunted the community for decades.
