Oklahoma man extradited to Hawai‘i on charges stemming from deadly 2024 crash

An Oklahoma man accused of causing a fatal traffic accident on Hawai‘i Island last year has been extradited and now faces multiple felony charges.

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 37-year-old Brandon Walser was indicted by a Hilo grand jury on charges of manslaughter, negligent homicide, and negligent injury in connection with a Feb. 26, 2024, crash that claimed the life of Marcella Tellez.

The collision occurred near mile marker 13 on Highway 19.

Authorities in Oklahoma detained Walser in September. He was subsequently extradited to Hawai‘i Island, accompanied by investigators from the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.

Walser made his initial court appearance on Oct. 27 at the Hilo Circuit Court, where his bail was maintained at $500,000.

A follow-up hearing is scheduled for Dec. 29.

According to the indictment, prosecutors allege Walser was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He faces charges of Manslaughter—for recklessly causing another person’s death—and Negligent Homicide in the First Degree, which applies to drivers who cause a death while operating a vehicle negligently and under the influence.

Prosecutors also charged Walser with first-degree negligent injury.

Because Walser was allegedly a “highly intoxicated driver,” with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher, the negligent homicide charge has been elevated from a class B to a class A felony.

Both manslaughter and first-degree negligent homicide carry potential 20-year prison sentences. The negligent injury charge is a class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.

Waltjen emphasized that the charges remain allegations, and Walser is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The investigation was initiated by the Hamakua/North Hilo and South Hilo Patrol divisions, with the felony case led by Officers Johnathan Rapoza and Laurence Davis of the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Matt Woodward.