Police Return to Nuaʻailua in “Charli” Missing Persons Case

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8iRaBrKjEI /] By Wendy Osher

Special Response Team officers with the Maui Police Department and a Maui Fire Department helicopter returned to the area of Nuaʻailua Bay today where previous evidence had been recovered in a case involving missing Carly “Charli” Scott.

Special Response Units on scene at the roadway above Nuaʻailua Bay on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Capt. John Jakubczak, with the department’s Criminal Investigation Division said, “There is no ‘new’ information to release,” at this time, but he did confirm the presence of SRT units and a helicopter in the area today.

“The MFD helicopter was there to make checks along the coastline from Honomanū to Keʻanae for anything related to this investigation,” said Capt. Jakubczak.

Officials say the area was checked earlier by police, but only in the bay area up to the shoreline.

“The helicopter provides a better coverage of the area, particularly in the areas that are inaccessible on foot,” said Capt. Jakubczak who noted that aerial photographs of the area were completed at an earlier date.

Special Response Team personnel on scene at the roadway above Nuaʻailua Bay on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Nuaʻailua Bay is located between Honomanū Bay and the YMCA in Keʻanae. The location was closed off by police during the initial stages of the investigation amid the discovery of the woman’s clothing and blanket that were found at the location on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014.

In a phone interview with Charli’s mother, Kimberlyn Scott,  she said, “MPD and the Special Response Team are working diligently on Charli’s case. We cannot comment on any new findings at this time. Our ground search is continuing. We are planning another search for this weekend starting at 9 a.m. on Door of Faith Road where we will let our searchers know where exactly we are searching.”

“We ask for our volunteers to understand and be patient with our needs and keep our search area secret until the day of the actual search. Anything more than a drizzle cancels the search as we do not wish to endanger our searchers,” she said.

The search crew will be taking food donations on Friday, March 7, to feed the crew of searchers that will be heading out this weekend.

Special Response Team personnel on scene at the roadway above Nuaʻailua Bay on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Photo by Wendy Osher.

“Above and beyond all else, that is our goal — to find her and bring her home,” said Kimberlyn. “The need to do that is what’s driving everyone. We are so appreciative of the community. If it hadn’t been for this community, stepping up and out the way they have… that’s taken courage, and kindness, and thoughtfulness on so many different levels. I can’t even innumerate all of them.”

According to Kimberlyn, all family that was here from the mainland helping with the search have since returned, but she said, “we’re already planning on some of them coming back, which is very difficult because when you admit that you need to come back, you admit that this could go on for much longer; and that of course it presents a lot of emotional difficulties for all of us — just the thought that this could continue on indefinitely.”

In addition to Kimberlyn, some of Charli’s sisters who live on island, her step-father, and friends continue the search.

Special Response Team personnel on scene at the roadway above Nuaʻailua Bay on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Photo by Wendy Osher.

In reference to Charli’s ex-boyfriend who was identified by police as a person of interest, Kimberlyn said, “We don’t mind reiterating that the family does not sanction or want Steven Capobianco or his friends harassed in any way. There’s been a couple of issues that have come up with that, and that’s not what we want. We are hoping that the community will hear that and respond accordingly because it doesn’t help at all. Right now Steven’s been working with us, and we’re happy with how that’s working, and we’d like to keep that working relationship.”

With nearly a month that has passed since Charli went missing, we asked Kimberlyn about her feelings relating to the investigation. “I think we’re all horrified that it’s lasting this long, but every day that she’s not found is another chance that she’s alive somewhere out there and you just hope as well. It’s really hard but we just keep on hoping for the best and put our heads down and keep looking.”

“I think it would be a nightmare for anyone — and it really is — it’s like being in a nightmare, but at least we’re surrounded by a community and family and friends that if you gotta be in hell, this is the best group of people to be with. We’re all just so grateful to everyone for being so supportive,” said Kimberlyn.

“Honestly, time kills me. If it weren’t for how kind people have been with hearts, emotions, hugs and generosity, I’d be a very angry person right now; but it’s been tempered by how much generosity I’ve seen,” said Kimberlyn.

Special Response Units on scene at the roadway above Nuaʻailua Bay on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Background Information:

Carly “Charli” Joann Scott, 27, was last known to have left the Haʻikū area on Sunday night, Feb. 9, 2014, to assist her ex-boyfriend, who family members say asked for help in getting his car pulled out of an area near mile marker 20 of the Hāna Highway.

Scott was five months pregnant when she went missing, and family members have since confirmed that the sex of the unborn child — which was supposed to be a surprise — is a boy.

The woman’s dog, who was with her when she went missing, was found near the Nāhiku Market Place on Monday, Feb. 10, and family members say her vehicle was located on Wednesday night, Feb. 12, in Peʻahi,mauka of the surf spot known as “Jaws.”  Scott’s clothing and blanket were found on Thursday, Feb. 13, at Nuaʻailua Bay just East of Honomanū. The items are located over a span of 25 to 30 miles apart.

Special Response Units on scene at the roadway above Nuaʻailua Bay on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Anyone with information that led to Scott’s disappearance is asked to call Detective Wendell Loo at (808) 270-6516 during business hours or (808) 268-2763 after hours.

Family and friends also launched an online anonymous tip survey where the public can provide anonymous tips on Scott’s whereabouts or information that led to her disappearance.

Family members have been providing updates via a Facebook page to assist in disseminating information regarding the case.

Special Response Team personnel on scene at the roadway above Nuaʻailua Bay on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Special Response Team personnel on scene at the roadway above Nuaʻailua Bay on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Photo by Wendy Osher.