FBI Offers $10,000 Reward in 2005 Cold Case Murder

The Honolulu Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation is offering a $10,000 reward for information that will lead to the identification and conviction of the killer in the cold case of Arman B. Johnson.

Special Agent-in-Charge of the Honolulu FBI, Paul D. Delacourt, and Special Agent-in-Charge of the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch, Christopher Smith, seek the help of the public in solving the near decade-old case.

The body of Johnson, 44, was found within the boundaries of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on April 13, 2005. An area passerby found his body on the southern edge of the park near mile-marker 71 of Mamalahoa Highway. His body laid 100 yards from the edge of the road, near the Kahuku Ranch area. Johnson was wearing a tank-top shirt, swim shorts, socks, and slipper sandals when found. FBI officials say that the bureau’s Evidence Response Team helped to process the crime scene.

A later autopsy report showed that Johnson’s cause of death was a single gunshot wound in his upper-back area that was fired from a handgun.

Johnson moved to the Big Island from Seattle in 1984 and was a resident in both the Kona and Hilo sides of the island. With his bachelor’s degree in sports medicine, he worked as a massage therapist at local resorts. He also hosted a local radio show featuring reggae music.

FBI officials say that the motive for his execution-style murder remains unknown.

“A decade has passed since the murder of Arman Johnson. We are hoping that the passage of time may embolden a witness to come forward and tell us the truth about how and why this tragic act of violence occurred,” said FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Delacourt.

Anyone with information or with tips can call the Honolulu FBI at (808) 556-4300.