Boyfriend Named Prime Suspect in Pregnant Tustin Woman's Murder

22-year-old Boaz David Johnson is suspected of strangling his 2-month pregnant girlfriend

More than a month after a pregnant woman's body was found strangled in Hawaii, police named her ex-boyfriend as the suspect in the slaying.

Boaz David Johnson, 22, an Alaska native, may still be in Hawaii.

He is wanted in connection with the slaying of 25-year-old Brittany Jane Royal, of Tustin.

Her strangled body was found in a fishing line on May 28. She was 2-months pregnant.

A rope the same size as the marks on her neck was found where she and Johnson were last seen camping together near lava fields close to the Kalapana area on the big island of Hawaii, police said.

Her body was thrown off a 20-foot cliff to the water below.

Johnson is described as 5 foot 7 and weighs about 150 pounds.

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He has a tattoo of a horse near the right side of his abdomen, according to a statement issued by the Hawaii Police Department. He was last seen unshaven with medium-length brown hair.

Royal’s parents are holding off on judging Johnson, at least until he is found.

"He’s a nice kid,” said Julie Royal, mother of the victim. “I feel awful for his family.”

Investigators are asking anyone with information on Johnson’s whereabouts to call 808-961-2386 to speak to a detective or 808-961-8300 to remain anonymous.

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