Hawai‘i Island police investigate murder in Hilo; unrelated to triple homicides in Puna, officials say

As a manhunt is underway for a man wanted in connection with three murders in Puna, Hawai‘i Island police are also now investigating a separate murder after finding an unresponsive female in Hilo.

At 8:01 a.m. Thursday, May 28, South Hilo patrol officers responded to Piopio Street in Hilo after a State of Hawai‘i Parks Division employee found the unresponsive female. Upon observation, the female was not breathing and suffered injuries to her head and face consistent with being physically assaulted, according to a news release from police.

She was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 8:38 a.m.

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section responded to the scene and assumed the investigation, which remains ongoing.

At this time, there is no indication connecting this homicide to the three in Puna, where police are actively looking for Jake Baker, who is wanted in the deaths of John Carse and Robert Shine, both 69 and from Pāhoa, as well as a 79-year-old who friends have identified as Chitta Morse, also of Pāhoa.

An autopsy on the female will be performed on Friday, May 29, to determine the exact cause of death.

Police ask anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact Detective Sybastian Keltner of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 808-961-2326, or via email at sybastian.keltner@hawaiipolice.gov.

They can also contact the police department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000. All Crime Stoppers information is confidential.