Big Island man pleads no contest in Halloween 2020 murder at Hilo apartment complex

A Big Island man will be sentenced early next year after pleading no contest to a murder charge connected to an incident on Halloween nearly three years ago in Hilo.

Davi Alvarez, 44, of Hilo enter the no contest plea Oct. 19 in Hilo Circuit Court to the charge of second-degree murder connected to the Oct. 31, 2020, death of Noelle Buffett at the Val Hala Apartment Complex on Puueo Street in Hilo. He was ordered to appear for sentencing Jan. 11, 2024.

Second-degree murder carries a penalty of life in prison with the possibility of parole. Alvarez remains in custody in lieu of $1 million bail.

According to a report at the time, Alvarez stabbed the 39-year-old Buffett in her apartment. The two were said to be acquaintances.

Big Island police officers responding to the complex at about 1 p.m. that day found Buffett’s lifeless body inside her bedroom. During the course of their investigation, police were able to identify Alvarez as a suspect; witnesses reported that he had left the area prior to police arrival.

He was located just after 3:30 p.m. walking on Kapiʻolani Street in Hilo, where he was arrested without incident.

An autopsy concluded Buffett died as a result of a stab wound to the chest. The manner of her death was ruled a homicide.