Parents accused of murder one month before reporting missing child plead not guilty; trial scheduled for January

A Hawaiian couple has entered pleas of not guilty to charges of murdering their 6-year-old adoptive daughter a month before reporting her missing.

The body of Isabella Kalua, also referred to by her birth name Ariel, remains unrecovered.

Isaac and Lehua Kalua were indicted by a grand jury on murder and related charges. During a brief court hearing on Monday, their attorneys, appointed by the court, entered the pleas on their behalf. The judge has scheduled the trial for January.

According to court records, Isabella’s older biological sister, also adopted by the Kaluas, reported to a detective that she saw Isabella unresponsive inside a dog cage, with duct tape covering her nose and mouth. Prosecutors allege that Lehua caused Isabella’s fatal injuries and failed to seek medical help, while Isaac faces a charge of “murder by omission” for neglecting to intervene or assist the child, said Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm.

A reward of $15,000 has been offered for information about Isabella’s disappearance or the discovery of her body, according to Honolulu Crimestoppers.

Outside the courtroom, the Kaluas’ attorneys, Donovan Odo and Jason Burks, declined to provide any comment.