Police Investigating Hilo Murder, No Indication of Connection to Puna Homicides

Hawai‘i Island police have initiated a murder investigation following a report of an unresponsive female in Hilo, Thursday morning, May 28, 2026. At this time, there is no indication connecting this homicide to the three in Puna.

At 8:01 a.m., 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. 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. An autopsy will be performed 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.