Search warrant in relation to ongoing missing person case leads to dead male in Puna home

Hawai‘i Island police discovered a deceased male after responding to a Kea‘au home Thursday for an ongoing missing person investigation.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending identification and notification of next of kin, and authorities have not said which missing person case this incident may be connected to.

Members of the police department’s Area I Criminal Investigation Division responded to a residence located on the 15-2000 block of 15th Avenue to execute a search warrant in the ongoing missing person investigation.

Upon arrival at the residence, police personnel immediately made numerous announcements identifying themselves and their intention of executing a search warrant. At this time, a loud “pop” was heard which resembled a gunshot.

Officers then set up a secure perimeter and began checking on nearby residences to ensure their safety.

The department’s Special Response Team and Crisis Negotiation Team were activated as the residence may have contained an armed barricaded subject. Upon later entry into the residence, personnel located the body of the deceased male with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

A firearm was also located.

An autopsy will be performed early next week to determine the exact cause of death.

Area I Criminal Investigation Division personnel are continuing this investigation and ask anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact Detective Amy Omaya of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 808-961-2381, or via email at amy.omaya@hawaiicounty.gov or the department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 808-961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.