HONOLULU, HAWAII -- The Kalihi man arrested Thursday in connection with the homicide investigation of a missing Japanese visitor was formally charged Sunday with murdering the woman, officials said during a press conference.
Kirk Lankford, 22, was charged with second-degree murder after items with DNA matching that of Masumi Watanabe were found in his company truck, officials said.
Prosecutors said they were able to proceed with murder charges, despite not having found the woman's body.
"It is a single charge but it includes murder by omission or comission or knowingly causing the death of Masumi Watanabe. It carries a sentence of life in prison," said Peter Carlisle, Honolulu City Prosecutor.
Authorities said they believe they have probable cause to charge Lankford.
Lankford is expected to appear in court Monday. His bail was set at $1,000,000.
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