Līhu‘e man arrested in connection with murder suspect Chris Santos

Kaua‘i police on Thursday arrested 36-year-old Branden-Joy Rivera Calzada of Līhu‘e in connection with the investigation of murder suspect Chris Santos.

A multi-agency operation was conducted with the Kaua‘i Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation which resulted in the arrest of Calzada on the strength of a $500,000 warrant.

Calzada was arrested for five separate charges: Place to Keep Unloaded Firearms, Place to Keep Pistol of Revolver, Possession of a Prohibited Weapon or Device, Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree, and Place to Keep Firearm Ammunition.

He is currently being held on bail at Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center.

“The Kaua‘i Police Department and our federal counterparts remain steadfast in our commitment to actively investigate this case and seek all those who aided Chris Santos,” said Kaua‘i Police Chief Todd Raybuck. “We will continue to pursue any and all leads as the investigation remains open and ongoing.”

“As we mentioned back in September after the arrest of Mr. Chris Santos, this operation is not over,” said U.S. Marshals Service Hawai‘i U.S. Marshal William Jessup. “The U.S. Marshals Task Force made a promise to the people of Kaua‘i and the Kaua‘i Police Department; we will utilize every resource necessary to support KPD’s investigations to apprehend all individuals who helped and aided Mr. Santos while on the run. The arrest of Mr. Calzada is a message to those other individuals who aided Mr. Santos and are still out there; be assured we’re coming for you.”

Chris Santos remains in custody after he was detained on Sept. 17, following a 9-day multi-agency manhunt which resulted in an officer-involved shooting with federal law enforcement. He was arrested on charges relating to the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Kith Silva-Lacro of Kalāheo which occurred on Sept. 7 on Kahili Mountain Road.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact KPD Dispatch at 808-241-1711 or the General Crimes Lieutenant at 808-241-1683. 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, available for download on Android and Apple mobile devices.