HPD Identifies 2003 Murder Victim

Bradley Elmer Bussewitz, updated photo.

Hawaiʻi Island detectives have identified Bradley Elmer Bussewitz as the murder victim who was found off Saddle Road in 2003.

Bussewitz was identified using the most current biometric technology.

The New Generation Identification system developed by the FBI was used to identify Bussewitz through his fingerprints.

On Nov. 2, 2003, a hunter searching for a missing dog discovered the body in the vicinity of the 12 Mile Marker of Route 200—formerly known as Saddle Road and now called the Daniel K. Inouye Highway.

Bradley Elmer Bussewitz, older photo.

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section recovered the remains, which were in an advanced state of decomposition. An autopsy determined that Bussewitz died from blunt force trauma and his death was ruled a homicide.

Detectives are still seeking witnesses or motorists who may have seen him hitchhiking either on Kaumana Drive or Saddle Road on or about Nov. 2, 2003.

Bussewitz, who was 47 at the time of his death, was described as Caucasian, about 6-foot-1 with a slim build. He was wearing a green aloha print shirt and a pair of brown swim trunks with red pockets.

Bussewitz was known to be a resident of Hawaiʻi Island and is also believed to have previously lived on Maui.

His primary modes of transportation were an early-model Chevy Lumina van, color unknown, and a bicycle.

Police ask anyone with information about this case to call the department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or contact Detective Derek Morimoto at 961-2380 or [email protected].

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribed to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.