Puna Man Faces Murder, Burglary, Other Charges in Connection With Death of Hilo Woman

A Big Island man faces several charges, including second-degree murder, in connection with the death of a woman last week.

According to the county prosecutor’s office, 36-year-old Michael Dwayne Carvalho II of Puna is charged with second-degree murder, first-degree burglary, second-degree criminal property damage, first-degree assault against a law enforcement officer and habitual property crime. The charges stem from a Sept. 15 incident at a residence in the Hawaiian Beaches subdivision in Puna.

Carvalho is alleged to have caused the death of a 34-year-old Hilo woman, damaged several windows of the residence and later assaulted a police officer who was assisting with the investigation.

Second-degree murder usually carries a penalty of life in prison with a possibility of parole; however, prosecutors intend to seek a sentencing enhancement which could subject Carvalho, if he was convicted, to serving a life term without parole. The sentencing enhancement is being sought based on allegations that the alleged murder was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity.

Carvalho is scheduled to make his initial appearance Monday afternoon in Hilo District Court. He remains in custody in lieu of $1,055,000 bail.

The investigation was initiated by Officers Devin Ah Chong and Keanu Lum Won with the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Puna Patrol. The felony investigation was led by Detective John Balberde with the police department’s Area I Criminal Investigation Section and assisted by members of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section and Area I Juvenile Aid Section.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy County Prosecuting Attorney Ha‘aheo Kaho‘ohalahala.