Murder charge filed in death of Wahiawa teen

A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection with the death of a teenager who had been missing for several days before her body was found in Wahiawa.

Police said Kaniala Kekoa Avilla-Rapoza was charged Saturday with second-degree murder and was being held at the police cellblock in lieu of $500,000 bail. He was expected to make his first court appearance today in District Court.

Avilla-Rapoza was arrested at about 2 p.m. Friday at 380 Walker Ave. in Wahiawa in connection with the death of 19-year-old Nelibeth Albert.

Police said Albert was reported missing Wednesday after she left her home in Wahiawa at about 9 a.m. the previous day and never returned.

CrimeStoppers issued a bulletin Thursday seeking the public’s help in locating Albert, who police said had an intellectual disability.

Police said her body was found Friday and that the slaying occurred at about 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Police did not say how Albert died.