{"id":1097,"date":"2026-06-09T04:11:59","date_gmt":"2026-06-09T04:11:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hawaiimovinginsider.com\/?p=1097"},"modified":"2026-06-09T04:11:59","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T04:11:59","slug":"kauai-murder-suspect-captured-after-chase-ends-in-ocean-off-kapaa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hawaiimovinginsider.com\/?p=1097","title":{"rendered":"Kauai murder suspect captured after chase ends in ocean off Kapaa"},"content":{"rendered":"
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KAPA\u02bbA (HawaiiNewsNow) – A suspect is in custody following a multi-day, island-wide search tied to an active homicide investigation on Kaua\u02bbi.<\/p>\n

Read more Watermain break causes large sink hole in Maunawili<\/a><\/p>\n

William \u201cBilly\u201d Robert Sinclair, 51, was arrested Monday morning on suspicion of second-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder after a police pursuit that ended in the ocean off Kapa\u02bba.<\/p>\n

Suspect linked to homicide in Hanalei<\/h1>\n

Police said the investigation began in the early morning hours of Saturday, June 6, when officers responded to a report of a suspicious death in the Hanalei area. <\/p>\n

The victim was found dead at his place of employment and the incident was classified as a homicide, police said.<\/p>\n

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Kaua\u02bbi Police Chief Rudy Tai said the victim was a 37-year-old man who lived in K\u012blauea. Tai said police are not releasing the victim\u2019s name because family notification is still pending.<\/p>\n

Detectives gathered information indicating the victim and Sinclair were involved in an ongoing financial dispute, and Sinclair was identified as a person of interest, according to Kaua\u02bbi Police Assistant Chief Darren Rose.<\/p>\n

Watch the full press conference with the Kaua\u02bbi Police Department:<\/b><\/p>\n

Reports of gunfire, search operations<\/h1>\n

While the Hanalei scene was being processed, officers received multiple reports of gunfire at a residence associated with Sinclair in the K\u012blauea area.<\/p>\n

Assistant Chief Rose said officers made contact with Sinclair\u2019s significant other and observed Sinclair in the driveway with what appeared to be a rifle before he re-entered the residence.<\/p>\n

Rose said nearby residents were secured and people in the immediate area were evacuated as a precaution. Officers conducted a search of the residence, but did not find Sinclair.<\/p>\n

Police later discovered that, during the early morning hours, another individual sustained a non-life-threatening injury consistent with a grazing gunshot wound.<\/p>\n

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Rose said Sinclair was identified as a person of interest in both incidents.<\/p>\n

Manhunt ends after suspect enters ocean<\/h1>\n

On Sunday, June 7, officers responded to a report of a motorcycle matching the one Sinclair was last seen operating at the Kapa\u02bba Skate Park. Officers confirmed the motorcycle belonged to Sinclair and seized it as evidence.<\/p>\n

Read more Midsummer Night\u2019s Gleam lights festival returns to Foster Botanical Garden July 18<\/a><\/p>\n

A department social media post described Sinclair as an \u201carmed and dangerous fugitive\u201d and asked area residents and visitors to shelter in place while officers conducted search operations.<\/p>\n

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