The investigation into the death of a Southwest Airlines flight attendant in Waikiki has entered a new phase, with Honolulu police confirming that the department's Homicide Detail is now leading the inquiry.
Jenny Lupton, 50, of Moore, Oklahoma, was found dead on Aug. 20 while on a work layover in Honolulu. The Honolulu Police Department said Aug. 24 that detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding her death but emphasized that they have not confirmed how she died.
Police said investigators are conducting interviews, reviewing and recovering surveillance video and working closely with Lupton's family. Authorities also urged the public to rely on verified information as the investigation continues.
Here's what we know so
far.
What happened to Jenny Lupton?
Southwest Airlines confirmed Lupton's death to USA TODAY on Aug. 24, saying she died while in Hawaii during a layover.
Her niece, Hannah Lupton, told USA TODAY that the Honolulu Department of the Medical Examiner informed the family it appeared her aunt fell from the balcony of her 24th-floor room at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. She was found near a contamination bin below the balcony.
Lupton's family has continued to press for answers, saying they do not believe she died by suicide.
USA TODAY contacted the Honolulu Medical Examiner's Office and the Honolulu Police Department for additional information on Aug. 25. Officials have said Lupton's cause and manner of death remain pending.
Why is the Homicide Detail investigating?
The Honolulu Police Department said its Homicide Detail is leading the investigation because the unit handles homicides as well as suspicious, unattended and other unexplained deaths.
Police emphasized that assigning the case to the Homicide Detail does not indicate Lupton's death has been ruled a homicide. Officials said investigators won't publicly discuss additional details because the inquiry is ongoing.
Lupton's family urges investigation
Lupton's family has voiced concerns about the flight attendant's unexpected death.
"We are worried that there is possible foul play involved," Hannah Lupton previously told USA TODAY. Officials have not publicly said they suspect a specific cause.
Her sister, Tresa Lupton, told Oklahoma-based television station KFOR that the family believes she either died after "some kind of freak accident or someone harmed her."
Hannah Lupton also described her aunt as "the life of the party," saying she loved her family, her 15-year-old son and her hometown of Moore, Oklahoma.
A GoFundMe campaign set up by Lupton's coworkers to assist her family had raised over $10,900 toward a $26,000 goal as of Aug. 25.
What happens next?
Police have not announced a timeline for completing the investigation, saying it "will take time" as detectives continue gathering evidence.
Lupton's family plans to travel to Hawaii to bring her body home to Oklahoma and work with officials.
The office of the Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said it has been in contact with the Hawaii Attorney General to help ensure a thorough investigation and remains in communication with Lupton's family, who "deserve to have answers about this tragedy."
Southwest Airlines said in a statement that it is "engaged with local authorities as they investigate" and has offered its condolences to Lupton's family and coworkers.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or on X @athompsonUSAT
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What we know about Southwest flight attendant's death in Hawaii
