CNMI Department of Public Safety Commissioner Ramon C. Mafnas and Federal Bureau of Investigation Honolulu media relations coordinator and special agent Tom Simon held a media conference yesterday afternoon near the cement slab across from the bus shelter in As Teo where the sisters were last seen.
A witness provided authorities the sketch of the man who was described to be a Pacific islander, about 30 years old, with short hair and a clean cut face but with a huge birthmark on its right side.
Due to time constraints, the authorities decided to immediately release to media the witness’ sketch instead of getting a more detailed cartographic sketch from the FBI or DPS.
Authorities said the individual was seen behind the steering wheel of a white, four-door car, heavily tinted with body damage on the front driver’s side.
The car was seen parked by the entrance of Santa Lourdes shrine on May 6, 2011, at about 10:30 p.m.
According to Simon, when approached by someone from the neighborhood, the driver responded that he was looking for someone.
The individual then drove off.
Simon said this individual is not a suspect or a person of interest.
“We will have a friendly conversation with him. He will not be placed under arrest,” Simon said, adding that the individual may have some relevant information or a witness regarding the case.
“We will leave no stone unturned in our investigation,” Simon said.
Mafnas said authorities have already “covered 400 areas doubling back and forth” and investigated “100 leads.”
“The search operation continues,” he added.
Mafnas said the search covered residential areas, abandoned homes or structures, or private homes once authorities got consent.
“We are still in the whodunnit phase,” Simon said.
He said combined FBI-DPS personnel will conduct targeted searches today with the assistance of a search dog from Hawaii’s Civil Defense agency.
A $33,500 reward money is being offered for any information leading to the recovery of Faloma and Maleina Luhk, or the prosecution of those behind their disappearance.
Call 911, the FBI at 322-6934, the girls’ family hotline at 285-4048 or the Crime Stoppers at 234-7272.
