Suspect arrested for murder, abuse of corpse in former Hawaii woman’s disappearance

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A suspect faces murder and abuse of a corpse charges in the disappearance of a former Hawaii woman who was living in Arkansas to attend school.

Former Big Island resident 28-year-old Allison Maria Castro was reported missing in Arkansas last week Monday.

On Tuesday, the Fayetteville Police Department announced the arrest of 29-year-old Kacey Jennings. He faces charges of capital murder and abuse of a corpse.

Authorities said they responded to a home on Sept. 19 when they found Jennings apparently experiencing a drug overdose. Police said they found several documents indicating he killed Castro and disposed of her body.

Family members told police Castro and Jennings were previously in a relationship and were living together.

The investigation deepened and led to the arrest of Jennings on Monday. Authorities have yet to locate Castro’s body and continue to seek tips in the case. The investigation is ongoing.

Castro, a 2012 Kealakehe High School alumna, was in Arkansas attending nursing school. Her family has established a GoFundMe page to help with expenses.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to call the Fayetteville Police Department at (479) 587-3555.

This story may be updated.

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