Episode 55: Bonus Minisode MISSING: David Alex - Kihei, HI

A simple moped accident on a beautiful island. But did it lead to something far more?

Episode Summary

This week, we’re heading back to Maui, where paradise and heartbreak continue to collide. Hawaii ranks among the top states for missing persons cases per capita, and Maui in particular has seen an unsettling number of disappearances that leave more questions than answers.

We begin with the story of David Alex, a 20-year-old from Crystal Lake, Illinois, who moved to Maui in November 2016. David was incredibly close with his family, especially his mom, Monica, and talking to her every day was part of his routine. Just days after arriving on the island, David bought a moped and started a new job at OfficeMax. But on November 8th, he was involved in a moped accident that left the scooter damaged and his phone broken. His injuries seemed minor, but after that day, his family never heard from him again.

Three days later, someone believed to be David attempted to buy a new phone but entered the wrong PIN and couldn’t complete the purchase. His card was used one final time that same day, then suddenly…nothing. No transactions. No calls. No sign of his moped, laptop, GoPro, or David himself. His family fears an undiagnosed head injury may have left him confused or vulnerable. Over the years, there have been possible sightings, including reports near Kihei and Kahului, but nothing has led to answers. Like Khaira’s family, David’s family still celebrates his birthdays every year and refuses to stop searching.

We also discuss Winston Kalani Torres-Kamai, who disappeared after attending a party in Makawao in February 2010. Witnesses reported a possible altercation involving stolen artwork, and some say they saw Winston walking away with two unknown men before he vanished. More than 15 years later, he has never been seen again.

Then we cover the suspicious death of John Picanco, a father whose body was found near a beach volleyball court in Kihei in August 2022. Initially labeled an unattended death, his case was later reclassified as a homicide after an autopsy raised concerns. His family has spoken publicly about their frustration and their belief that not enough is being done to bring answers or justice.

Cases like these leave families suspended between hope and heartbreak, still waiting for phone calls that never come and answers that never arrive.

If you have any information regarding David Alex, contact the Maui Police Department at 808-244-6400 or Maui Crime Stoppers at 808-242-6966. For information regarding John Picanco, contact Detective Kamuela Mawae at 808-875-5411.

Check out https://www.mauicounty.gov/425/Missing-People to see all 43 of Maui’s missing. Share their pictures, their descriptions, their stories.

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