Man suspected of killing woman with sword remains hospitalized in intensive care in Hilo

A man suspected of killing a 58-year-old woman with a sword on Friday afternoon remains hospitalized in intensive care, according to the Hawaiʻi Island police.

Due to his condition, Christopher Roy Howlind, 52, has not yet been charged in the murder, police said.

An autopsy has been scheduled for May 2 to determine the victim’s exact cause of death. The victim’s identity also is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of family.

Puna patrol officers responded about 2:50 p.m. on Friday to an unknown-type of domestic disturbance at a residence located on 38^th Avenue in the Orchidland Estates subdivision. The officers immediately found a man in bloody clothes, later identified as Howlind, who had visible injuries to his hands. Officers saw a large sword covered in blood next to the man.

Officers immediately summoned medical assistance for him, police said.

While officers were waiting for an ambulance, they located the victim’s lifeless body with severe knife wounds to her neck, upper body, arms and hands. Howlind was arrested for her murder.

While Howlind was being transported to the Hilo Cellblock, he began vomiting and became unresponsive. He was immediately taken to the Hilo Medical Center emergency room, and later admitted. It is believed he ingested some type of chemical liquid prior to police arriving on scene. 

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section responded to the scene to continue this investigation, which remains classified as a second-degree murder.

Police ask anyone who may have information related to this incident to contact the police department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311, or Det. Clarence Davies of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, at 808-961-2382 or email him at [email protected].