Decomposed body discovered in Puna home

Police think foul play could be involved in the death of a male victim whose badly decomposing body was discovered Tuesday afternoon at a Puna home on the Big Island.

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating after Puna patrol officers responded shortly after 1:30 p.m. to a residence on Lehua Street in Mountain View and discovered the decomposing body on a floor inside.

Officers were called to the residence after receiving a report from from a caller who said they went to check on the welfare of an acquaintance and smelled a foul odor coming from within the home. Area I Criminal Investigation Section detectives responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.

The victim was transported to Hilo Medical Center and pronounced dead at 6:25 p.m. An autopsy is scheduled later this week.

The identity of the male victim is pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

Anyone who might have information related to this case is asked to contact Detective Kimo Keliipaakaua of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 808-961-2375 or via email at kimo.keliipaakaua@hawaiicounty.gov. People can also call the police department non-emergency number at 808-935-3311.

Those who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.