HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Big Island Police filed a last-minute motion with the Hawaii Supreme Court Wednesday morning, saving detectives from sharing its latest findings in the Dana Ireland case - for now.
Judge Peter Kubota seemed frustrated by the move. And for the first time, made his opinion very clear.
"So I'll ask you this, what further investigation does the police conduct with a guy who's now deceased?" said Judge Kubota. "You can get all the information and all the evidence, but what are you gonna do with that? Are you gonna prosecute this dead guy?"
Lawyers for Albert Ian and Shawn Schweitzer have been requesting all information on the Hawaii Police Department's investigation on Albert Lauro Jr. He's the man recently identified as the "unknown male" in connection with Ireland's murder in 1991.
Detectives interviewed him, but Lauro killed himself days later.
"We have the police going on and defending their actions in this case repeatedly from the very start when they could not find a suspect," said Keith Shigetomi, attorney for Shawn Schweitzer. "When they get in bed with convicted felons, and then when they finally botch it up and then they let the real guy get away, it's just preposterous."
The Schweitzers were convicted for the murder. Albert Ian served more than 23 years in prison before being exonerated and released earlier this year.
"The original proceedings, large as they are, large as they are, do not override the compelling government interest to protect the integrity of an ongoing criminal investigation," said Britt Bailey, Deputy Corp. Counsel.
"The only legitimate interest they have is protecting themselves from further liability, but they're just making it worse for themselves," said Shigetomi.
Police maintain the investigation into Lauro isn't done yet.
"It can go on as long as you want to delay this, but the problem I have here is these guys were convicted 23-years ago, and they're seeking a determination of actual innocence," said Judge Kubota. "And in my view, justice delayed at your behest is justice denied."
Judge Kubota ruled that he will await the ruling from the supreme court before taking any action.