Cops: Dead body, note help solve Hawaii murder case

HILO, Hawaii - In a news conference Tuesday, Hilo Police said a body discovered Jan. 2 believed connected to the strangulation death of 10-weeks-pregnant Brittany Jane Royal is that of her boyfriend, reports CBS affiliate KGMB.

Assistant Police Chief Henry Tavares confirmed that the body was that of Boaz Johnson, Royal's boyfriend and a suspect in her murder.

"We have determined [Royal] was murdered by Boaz Johnson," said Tavares.

"I've been looking forward to this day for seven and a half months," said Brittany's father Ted Royal, who was in attendance.

Brittany's mother, Julie Spahn Royal, said over the phone from California, "When it's somebody who knew her, loved her, and was going to be father to her child, it's heartbreaking."

Days after killing Royal, Johnson wrote a confession note three pages long that answered many of the key questions of the investigation, police said. It was found near his body on Jan. 2 in a remote grove of trees a mile and a half away from where the couple camped in May.

Tavares said, "He confessed to strangling Brittany while in a domestic dispute and to throwing her body in the ocean. He also indicated his intent to end his own life."

DNA tests determined that the body found was Johnson, and the handwriting on the note was his, authorities said.

"The rope used to strangle Brittany and the rope Boaz used to hang himself was very similar," Tavares added.

Ted Royal thanked police for solving the case of his murdered daughter and unborn grandchild, a baby Brittany intended to name 'Io.'

"Thank you to all. One evil act will never ruin the Aloha spirit we have received and that Brittany so loved," he said.