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Update 3:45 p.m. Escapee from state hospital took plane to Maui and flew to California, police say

Randall Saito killed woman at Ala Moana 38 years ago

An escapee from the Hawaii State Hospital, who was committed following the brutal stabbing of a woman at Ala Moana Center on Oahu 38 years ago, flew to Maui and then boarded a flight to California on Sunday, Maui police said.

Randall Toshio Saito, 59, escaped from the hospital in Kaneohe on Sunday and shortly thereafter boarded a plane and traveled to Maui, said Lt. Gregg Okamoto, police spokesman. Maui police detectives confirmed his arrival at Kahului Airport and his boarding of a flight to California on Sunday through video footage, he said.

“His current whereabouts are unknown,” Okamoto said.

Detectives passed on the information to all state agencies involved in the search for Saito as well as assisting agencies in California, he said.

The FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force is participating in the investigation, Special Agent Arnold Laanui said Tuesday. He could not provide any more information about the case, though he did say the FBI was involved because of Saito’s unlawful flight to avoid confinement and the possible multistate or international search for him.

Saito could face federal violations, he said. The FBI provides general assistance to local law enforcement if a subject crosses state or international lines.

If anyone has information about Saito’s whereabouts, contact police at 244-6400, the state Department of Public Safety Sheriff’s Department at (808) 587-3623 or call 911 in an emergency.

Hawaii News Now reports that Saito was acquitted by reason of insanity for the 1979 killing of 29-year-old Sandra Yamashiro at Ala Moana Center.

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