Soldier arrested in woman’s death
Honolulu police cite a custody dispute after recovering a body near Mokuleia
Police arrested a 22-year-old Schofield Barracks soldier after he allegedly strangled a woman and dumped her body near Mokuleia.
The Honolulu Medical Examiner's Office identified the victim as Felicia E. Laduke, 22, who also lived at Schofield Barracks but at a different address from the suspect.
Police said the soldier was angry with the victim over a child custody dispute.
The suspect allegedly strangled Laduke at about 10:45 p.m. Friday and dumped her body near the roadway.
Military police located Laduke's body at about 5 p.m. Saturday at the end of Farrington Highway near Camp Erdman and notified the Honolulu Police Department. Police spent hours at the scene gathering evidence.
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder.
Honolulu police homicide detectives were not available yesterday to comment on the case. Military public affairs officers were also not available.
An autopsy is expected to be performed on Laduke today to determine the exact cause of her death.