LIHU‘E — A decade ago today, a pig farmer uncovered Amber Jackson’s remains in a remote wooded area of Kealia, and hope to close this cold case is being aided by advancements in technology.
Jackson, 57, described as caring, funny and beloved, was first reported missing on June 23, 2010, by friends.
She died from blunt force trauma to the head and had sustained injuries that had been caused by an assault, according to an autopsy report.
While her death was labeled a second-degree murder, no charges were filed, and no arrests have been made in the cold case.
Last year, an Investigation Discovery’s “Breaking Homicide” episode titled “A Murder in Paradise” provided a fresh pair of eyes on the case. Working alongside the KPD, host of the series private investigator Derrick Levasseur examined evidence in a new lens, Matthew Alexander, Jackson’s nephew said.
The case suffered from a lack of tangible evidence, Alexander explained, but with new technology and the evidence that KPD maintained all these years, more DNA could be extracted. This evidence, Alexander hoped, can be added to the circumstantial evidence that has been around for years that couldn’t quite be used to turn a conviction.
“Now it (the DNA) can be examined to today’s levels of expertise,” he said. “There’s a lot of hope that will turn up something that might be conclusive.”
Spurred from this investigation, new DNA evidence is currently awaiting federal processing, that was put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Hopefully within the next 3-4 months with the DNA results, we should have a go-or-no-go,” Alexander said. “And we’re hoping for the go.”
Jackson, who worked at the Hawai‘i State Teacher’s Association, had lived in Kapahi for about 10 years. She was originally from Riverside, California and owned a lettuce farm on Hawai‘i Island. Jackson’s case is one 13 cold cases open by the county’s Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, dating as far back to 1979.
There is no statute of limitations for homicides.
“We have not given up in our pursuit to find the suspect(s) involved in this appalling tragedy,” Investigative Services Bureau Assistant Chief Bryson Ponce said in a press release. “What keeps us going and what has given us hope is that, even though it’s 10 years later, there are evolving scientific methods that are being undertaken to potentially help discover the killer(s).”
Alexander, who has worked with various officers throughout the year, and hopes for the day he can grab dinner with Pone and get justice.
“AC Ponce has always been very respectful, helpful, thoughtful,” Alexander said. “I view him as a close friend at this point after 10 years at this point.”
The Amber Jackson Justice Group, formed by friends and family, continues to work with KPD and continues to offer a $20,000 reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of potential suspects.
“We believe this case is solvable and that we may be closer to finding out who might have played a part in her untimely death,” Ponce said.
Those with more information can reach Ponce at 241-1681, contact the OPA Colde Case Unit at 808-241-1757 or FBI at 808-566-4300. Anonymous tips can also be made to Crime Stoppers Kaua‘i at 246-8300 or at crimestopperskauai.org.
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Sabrina Bodon, public safety and government reporter, can be reached at 245-0441 or sbodon@thegardenisland.com.
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