Marine suspected in killing of Oregon woman released

Police today released Marine Master Sgt. Nathaniel L. Cosby, suspected of killing an Oregon woman last month and dumping her body near Yokohama Bay, pending further investigation.

Cosby, 38, was arrested Wednesday at the Honolulu Airport on suspicion of murder in the death of Ivanice “Ivy” Harris of Portland, Ore.

Police wouldn’t say whether he was returning to Iwakuni Marine Corps Air Station in Japan where he is assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron-171 which is a part of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.

Any charges would be pending the results of tests, the prosecutor’s office said.

The medical examiner’s office is awaiting test results before determining a cause of death.

The Marine Corps said Cosby is an explosive ordnance disposal specialist was in Hawaii on temporary duty.

Since the case is still under investigation Cosby, who is from Jefferson, Ala., is free to leave Hawaii and return to Japan.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is assisting in the investigation, police said.

Lt. Col. David Griesmer, a spokesman for III Marine Expeditionary Force on Okinawa, said in an email that the Marine Corps takes all allegations of misconduct seriously and is fully cooperating with the investigation.

A woman who identified herself as Cosby’s wife declined to comment. “I know my husband didn’t do this,” she said.

Griesmer said Cosby enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1998.

Harris was last seen outside a Waikiki bar at 2:15 a.m. on May 16, police said. Her body was found four days later on the Leeward Coast.

Authorities have not determined the cause of death, as the medical examiner’s office is waiting for additional test results.

Harris was vacationing in Hawaii with her boyfriend and a friend to celebrate her 29th birthday. Friends said Harris worked as a prostitute. She was listed under an online escort service.

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The Associated Press contributed to this story.