Phoenix FBI Investigates Murdered Japanese Tourist

Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Phoenix Division, John E. Lewis, announced on July 11, 2006, a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individual(s) responsible for the death of Tomomi Hanamure. On May 8, 2006, Tomomi Hanamure, a female Japanese citizen, 34 years old, hiked into the Havasupai Indian Reservation and checked into a lodge located on the reservation. Hanamure was last seen hiking by herself down the main trail toward Havasupai Falls. On May 9, 2006, Hanamure was reported missing at which time the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Coconino County Sheriff's Office initiated a search and rescue operation. Several days later, on May 13, 2006, a group of swimmers discovered Hanamure's body in a secluded section of the river. An autopsy revealed that Hanamure's death was the result of multiple stab wounds. Members of the FBI's dive team recovered several personal items belonging to Hanamure. However, Hanamure's credit cards, cell phone, and cash have not been recovered. The FBI is offering a $5,000 reward and Coconino County Silent Witness is offering an additional $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Hanamure. The case is being investigated jointly by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Coconino County Sheriff's Office, the FBI, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. SAC John Lewis of the FBI Phoenix Division, urges anyone with information concerning the murder of Hanamure to contact the FBI, Flagstaff Resident Agency, at (800)818-2332 or the Coconino County Sheriff's Office at (800)338-7888.