Big Island police investigating after woman found dead, bloody sword discovered at Puna residence

A homicide investigation is underway by Hawai‘i Police Department detectives after officers discovered a dead woman and a large sword covered in blood early Friday afternoon, April 28, while responding to a domestic-related incident at a residence in a Puna subdivision on the Big Island.

Shortly after 2:30 p.m. Friday, Puna patrol officers responded to a disturbance at a residence on 38th Avenue in Orchidland Estates. Responding officers immediately came into contact with a man who appeared to be experiencing some type medical episode. He had visible injuries to his hands and his clothes were bloodied.

Officers also observed the large bloody sword next to the man, who was later identified as 52-year-old Christopher Roy Howlind. Officers immediately summoned medical assistance for him.

While waiting for an ambulance to arrive, officers located a deceased woman with severe knife wounds to her neck, upper body, arms and hands. At that time, Howlind was arrested for murder.

While Howlind was being transported to the Hilo cellblock, he began vomiting and became unresponsive. He was immediately taken to the emergency room at Hilo Medical Center. Howlind remains hospitalized, in police custody. It is thought he ingested some type of chemical liquid prior to police arriving at the scene.

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section responded to the scene and are continuing to investigate the incident, which has been classified as second-degree murder. As of late Friday night, detectives were working on a search warrant for the property where the 58-year-old victim, her 37-year-old son and Howlind reside.

An autopsy will be scheduled for early next week to determine the exact cause of death.

Anyone who might have information related to this incident is asked to call the Police Department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311 or contact Detective Clarence Davies with the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 808-961-2382 or via email him at Clarence.Davies@hawaiicounty.gov.