Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center inmate dies from injuries suffered in suspected hit-and-run

An inmate who escaped Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center is dead after succumbing to injuries suffered in an alleged hit-and-run.

Matthew J. Ornellas, who was serving time for third-degree drug promotion, a class C felony, escaped the jail on March 22 by scaling the facility’s outer perimeter fence with razor wire just after 1 a.m.

Correctional officers pursued Ornellas on foot but lost sight of him after he entered a dense brush area. Shortly afterward, correctional officers heard a loud sound from the roadway.

Officers then observed a dark-colored vehicle making a U-turn on the Kūhiō Highway, accelerating toward Kapa‘a.

Correctional officers searched for Ornellas along Kūhiō Highway and found him lying next to the roadside ditch with serious injuries.

Kauai police were immediately called. Ornellas was taken by ambulance to Wilcox Medical Center. While at the hospital, his condition deteriorated. Ornellas was pronounced dead earlier today.

“The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation extends its heartfelt condolences to Ornellas’ family and loved ones,” said DCR Director Tommy Johnson.

The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is continuing its internal investigation into the escape.

This is Kaua‘i’s fourth traffic fatality of 2024.

Police reports have been filed on the escape and hit-and-run.

The investigation remains ongoing and no arrest has been made at this time. KPD strongly encourages anyone who may have information about this incident to do the right thing and come forward.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to call Officer Henshaw at 808-241-1616. Those wishing to remain anonymous can provide information by calling Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi at 808-246-8300, submitting a tip at cskauai.org, or through the Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi P3 Tips Mobile App.