Hanalei homicide suspect caught after hours-long ocean manhunt

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Kauai Police Department has taken William “Billy” Sinclair into custody after an active pursuit in Kapaa.

Monday morning, just before 8 a.m., officers located Sinclair near the Kapaa Public Library.

A foot pursuit ensued, during which Sinclair entered the ocean behind the library.

Officers negotiated his surrender, and he was taken into custody at 9:55 a.m.

Just before 1 a.m. Saturday, officers responded to a report of a suspicious death in Hanalei. The investigation revealed the victim’s death was a homicide.

Then, at about 4:45 a.m., police responded to gunshots in the Kilauea area. Police said an area resident sustained minor injuries after being grazed by a bullet and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

KPD said Sinclair was identified as a person of interest in both investigations.

Police were then alerted that Sinclair may have been at a residence in the Kilauea area, prompting a manhunt on Sunday into Monday morning.

Police ask the public to continue to stay out of the area near the library to allow officers to work safely and efficiently.

• Kauai police in active pursuit of homicide suspect, avoid area behind Kapaa Public Library