Suspect charged with murder after woman’s body found in burned-out car

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Prosecutors have charged a suspect with second-degree murder and first-degree arson following the discovery of a body in a burned-out car in Mililani.

Samuel Jones, 25, is accused of killing a woman and allegedly setting a car on fire at Mililani High School on Monday. His bail is set at $1 million.

The family has identified the victim as Jordan Laulusa, 21. They say she died from a stab wound to her neck.

Laulusa was a supply specialist in the Hawaii Army National Guard. She joined in 2019.

Her body was discovered after witnesses reported a car fire in the high school’s parking lot about 6:40 a.m. on Monday. HPD Lt. Deena Thoemmes said witnesses told arriving officers that they noticed a man around the burning car who had been “opening and closing doors during the fire and then fled on foot.”

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She added, “Witnesses continued to follow that male until the other officers arrived.”

Witnesses also reported that when the suspect was walking away from the burning vehicle, he was carrying some type of “blade” or weapon.

A memorial for Laulusa was set up along the fence at Mililani High, with balloons, flowers and signs that say, “until we meet again.”

This story will be updated.

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