Hawai‘i Island police investigate suspected murder of a Hilo man found dead in his car

Hawai‘i Island police launched a murder investigation after the discovery of a man found dead in his car on a banana farm in Hilo.

The body was discovered on Dec. 3, 2023, shortly before 4:45 p.m. on Kauhiula Road, above Alae Cemetery. The man was later identified as Albert Harry Pacheco Sr. 68, of Hilo, who was an employee at the banana farm.

While there were no indications of foul play, initially, the department’s forensic pathologist discovered a gunshot to Pacheco’s upper thigh during an autopsy on Dec. 8.

The investigation has since been classified as a second-degree murder. Detectives have interviewed numerous witnesses, including employees of the banana farm and neighboring properties.

At this time, police have not identified a motive or suspect in this case.

Police ask anyone who may have information relative to this case to call Detective Christopher Jelsma of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 808-961-2386, or email Christopher.Jelsma@hawaiicounty.gov or the department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311.