Police identify woman murdered with sword in Puna on Big Island

A 58-year-old woman who was murdered with a sword during a domestic-related incident on April 28, 2023, in Puna was identified as Teri Lynn Apple.

After an autopsy was completed on Tuesday morning, a forensic pathologist ruled that Apple died as a result of multiple chop wounds and sharp-forced injuries. The manner of death was ruled a homicide, according to Hawai‘i Island police.
 
The suspect, 52-year-old Christopher Roy Howlind, remains hospitalized at Hilo Medical Center in stable condition. Due to Howlind’s current medical status, he has not yet been charged.

According to Apple’s Facebook page, at one point she had worked in some capacity at Howlind Holdings LLC. Her page also said she was the former owner of STC Alternative Healing in Sacramento, Calif.

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, south of Hilo. 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 Apple’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. 

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].