Search continues for Kaua‘i homicide suspect

Kauaʻi Police are continuing their search for a suspect in connection with a homicide that occurred Thursday evening on Kahili Mountain Road.

Chris Santos, 48, is wanted in this homicide investigation, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Santos is believed to still be on Kaua‘i.

The public is advised to use extreme caution and not approach this individual. Santos is considered armed and dangerous. Santos is 6 feet, 2 inches tall, and weighs 250 pounds. Santos has five prior felony convictions and was recently released from federal custody after being convicted of Assaulting Officers, Unlawful Transport of Firearms, and Protection of Officers and Employees in 2007.

“At this time, we have no information that Mr. Santos poses a threat to the public. KPD is continuing to follow up on all leads and is actively investigating this case,” said Kaua‘i Police Chief Todd Raybuck. “We want to assure our community that we are doing everything in our power to secure the suspect and avoid further harm. Kaua‘i Police encourages Mr. Santos to self-surrender by contacting the Kaua‘i Police Department to safely resolve this situation.”

Kaua‘i Police have received reports of different individuals providing transportation to Chris Santos. KPD would like to remind the public that any person who renders assistance to Chris Santos is subject to prosecution for Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree, an offense punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Rendering assistance includes providing money, transportation, weapon, disguise, or other means of avoiding discovery, apprehension, prosecution, or conviction.

Kaua‘i Police have identified the decedent as 28-year-old Kith Silva-Lacro of Kalāheo.

The fatal shooting was reported Thursday, shortly before 10:45 p.m. The incident also involved a second victim, currently in stable condition.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or the whereabouts of Chris Santos is encouraged to contact KPD Dispatch at 808-241-1711 or the General Crimes Lieutenant at 808-241-1683. Those wishing to remain anonymous can provide information by calling Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi at 808-246-8300, submitting a tip at cskauai.org, or through the Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi P3 Tips Mobile App, available for download on Android and Apple mobile devices.