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In March 1981, John L Klein (28), a California attorney from Encino/Woodland Hills, and his wife Michelle Klein (25), a publicist for Sunkist in Sherman Oaks, traveled from California to Kauaʻi, Hawaii, for a vacation.
The couple was scheduled to leave the island on March 21, but they did not check out of their condo and failed to return their rental car.
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Discovery of the Bodies:
Their rental car was found at the base of Kuilau Trail, a scenic but remote hiking trail accessed via Loop Road near Kapaa on Kauaʻi’s east side.
On March 25, 1981, search-and-rescue teams with dogs discovered the couple’s bodies approximately 150 feet off the main trail, down a side path sometimes referred to as a “pig trail.”
John Klein was found lying face-up, wearing shorts and hiking boots, without a shirt. His wallet was still in his shorts.
Michelle Klein was found lying on top of him. Her purse, with all contents intact, was left in their rental car.
Authorities determined that robbery was unlikely, as nothing had been taken.
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Investigation Notes:
Police received a brief phone call from a woman on the day of the body discovery. She hung up before providing details. She may have been from San Francisco, but her identity remains unknown.
Theories include:
1. Encounter with Armed Marijuana Growers
In the early 1980s, some remote areas of Kauaʻi were used for illegal marijuana cultivation.
Growers were sometimes armed and highly protective of their crops.
One theory suggested the Kleins might have accidentally come across growers, who then killed them, possibly thinking the couple were thieves.
Police investigation: No marijuana grow sites were found near Kuilau Trail, and nothing indicated the Kleins had stolen anything.
2 Acquaintances Who Hiked With Them
Another theory proposes that the couple may have hiked with other people on the trail, either locals or tourists.
These individuals could have murdered them for reasons unknown, possibly personal disputes or a planned attack.
Some circumstantial points cited include boxes of pizza and cigarettes found in their condo, suggesting others might have been there.
No evidence confirmed that anyone else was present on the trail that day.
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Despite FBI laboratory reports and ongoing investigation, no suspects were ever identified, and the case remains unsolved.
Sources:
www.kauai.gov
www.nytimes.com
The couple was scheduled to leave the island on March 21, but they did not check out of their condo and failed to return their rental car.
---
Discovery of the Bodies:
Their rental car was found at the base of Kuilau Trail, a scenic but remote hiking trail accessed via Loop Road near Kapaa on Kauaʻi’s east side.
On March 25, 1981, search-and-rescue teams with dogs discovered the couple’s bodies approximately 150 feet off the main trail, down a side path sometimes referred to as a “pig trail.”
John Klein was found lying face-up, wearing shorts and hiking boots, without a shirt. His wallet was still in his shorts.
Michelle Klein was found lying on top of him. Her purse, with all contents intact, was left in their rental car.
Authorities determined that robbery was unlikely, as nothing had been taken.
---
Investigation Notes:
Police received a brief phone call from a woman on the day of the body discovery. She hung up before providing details. She may have been from San Francisco, but her identity remains unknown.
Theories include:
1. Encounter with Armed Marijuana Growers
In the early 1980s, some remote areas of Kauaʻi were used for illegal marijuana cultivation.
Growers were sometimes armed and highly protective of their crops.
One theory suggested the Kleins might have accidentally come across growers, who then killed them, possibly thinking the couple were thieves.
Police investigation: No marijuana grow sites were found near Kuilau Trail, and nothing indicated the Kleins had stolen anything.
2 Acquaintances Who Hiked With Them
Another theory proposes that the couple may have hiked with other people on the trail, either locals or tourists.
These individuals could have murdered them for reasons unknown, possibly personal disputes or a planned attack.
Some circumstantial points cited include boxes of pizza and cigarettes found in their condo, suggesting others might have been there.
No evidence confirmed that anyone else was present on the trail that day.
---------
Despite FBI laboratory reports and ongoing investigation, no suspects were ever identified, and the case remains unsolved.
Sources:
1981 - John and Michelle Klein
On March 25, 1981, 28 year old John Klein and his 25 year old wife Michelle Klein were found on the Kuilau Trail off Loop Road with multiple gunshot wounds. They had been vacationing on Kauai.
www.kauai.gov
