Search For Honolulu Hospital Escapee Moves To Maui

HONOLULU, HI— A man committed to a psychiatric hospital in 1981, who prosecutors said fits the criteria of a classic serial killer, has escaped and flew to Maui, authorities believe.

Honolulu police say Randall Saito left the Hawaii State Hospital at 9 a.m. Sunday and failed to return. Officials continue to search for him.

Saito was found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity for the 1979 killing of a woman at a shopping mall.

Maui County police say Saito flew to Maui shortly after he left the hospital, but they don't know where he is now.

The 59-year-old is 6 feet tall and 220 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

Defense attorneys sought to have him released in 2000. But prosecutors objected, saying Saito fit the criteria of a classic serial killer.

By AUDREY McAVOY, Associated Press