Pāhoa woman charged with attempted murder after domestic incident
A 54-year-old Pāhoa woman has been arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder and assault following a domestic-related incident Wednesday night in the Ainaloa subdivision, according to authorities.
Officers responded at about 7:44 p.m. on Sept. 30 to a home in the 16-2000 block of Lauhala Drive after receiving a report of an active domestic disturbance.
Hawaiʻi police said they found a 56-year-old man with injuries consistent with those caused by a sharp object. He was treated at the scene before seeking additional medical care at Hilo Benioff Medical Center because of the severity of his injuries.
Police identified the woman as Jill Dunston.
According to investigators, the victim and witnesses told officers that Dunston had a knife and was responsible for the injuries. Dunston was initially arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault and abuse of a family or household member and taken to the East Hawaiʻi Detention Center while detectives continued investigating.
Detectives with the department’s Juvenile Aid Section later obtained search warrants and conducted additional interviews. Following consultation with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney on Friday, Oct. 2, Dunston was charged with second-degree assault, abuse of a family or household member in the presence of a minor, and attempted second-degree murder.
Her total bail was set at $1.04 million.
She remains in police custody and was scheduled to make her initial court appearance on Monday, Oct. 5, in Hilo District Court.
Police are asking anyone with additional information to contact Detective Kupono Mata at 808-961-2278 or Kupono.mata@hawaiipolice.gov. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300; callers may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
