Murder investigation opened in case of dead man found in makeshift Ocean View grave

Hawai’i Island police opened a murder investigation into the death of Adam Santos, whose body was found buried in a vacant lava field July 2 in Ocean View.

Santos was reported missing June 30. He was last seen June 22 at his home in Ocean View.

Acting on an anonymous tip, officers went to a property adjacent to Santos’ residence, where a makeshift grave was discovered. Detectives from the Hawai’i Police Department Area II Criminal Investigation Section also responded and unearthed the body of a man, who was later identified as Santos.

An autopsy was performed the morning of July 11 and the forensic pathologist ruled Santos’ death was caused by multiple blunt force trauma to his head.

Investigators do not have a motive for the killing and no suspects have been identified.

Anyone with information in connection with this investigation is asked to contact Detective Donovan Kohara at 808-960-3118 or via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov.