Police renew request for info about unsolved 1987 murder in Hilo

Hawai‘i Island detectives again are asking the public for information in connection with a nearly 40-year-old Hilo murder case.

The May 1, 1987, murder of 26-year-old Lynn Ebisuzaki in Hilo remains unsolved.

Detectives from Hawai‘i Police Department’s Unsolved Homicides Unit previously received information from witnesses regarding an unknown man who was seen arguing with Ebisuzaki in a church parking lot in the 1800 block of Kino‘ole Street, some time prior to her death.

A composite sketch of the unknown male was produced with assistance of a graphic artist from Honolulu Police Department.

However, more information is needed to help bring Ebisuzaki’s murder case to a close.

Hilo patrol officers responded at about 10 p.m. May 1, 1987, to a home in the 500 block of Kanoelehua Avenue for the report of a missing female.

Officers learned that Ebisuzaki, who was visiting the home, was last seen leaving the residence at 9:15 p.m.

She never returned.

Officers eventually located Ebisuzaki’s lifeless body while searching the property and adjoining properties. An autopsy determined that she died as a result of a stab wound, and her death was ruled a homicide.

Anyone who might be able to identify the man in the sketch or who might have information about the 1987 incident is urged to contact Detective Sybastian Keltner with the police department Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2326 or via email at Sybastian.Keltner@hawaiipolice.gov.

Tips also can be emailed to unsolvedhomicides@hawaiipolice.gov.

Tipsters who want to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.