(Update) Police Charge Kea’au Man in Connection with HPP Murder Investigation

Hawai‘i Island police have charged 49-year-old Bryant Guevarra of Keaʻau, with numerous offenses, including second-degree murder.

The charges stem from a shooting that occurred on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at 10:18 p.m., in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision in Keaʻau.

Puna patrol officers responded to the 15-1500 block of Makuʻu Drive after receiving a report from a man who said he had been attacked and had shot another man. Responding officers located 41-year-old Jose Adame Romero of Keaʻau suffering from multiple apparent gunshot wounds. Officers provided lifesaving measures until Hawaiʻi Fire Department personnel arrived and determined Romero had succumbed to his injuries; he was pronounced deceased at 10:44 p.m.

The caller, identified as 49-year-old Bryant Scott Guevarra was arrested at the scene and transported to the East Hawai‘i Detention Facility as detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section continued the investigation.

On Monday afternoon, Sept. 21, after conferring with the Hawai‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, police charged Guevarra with:

• Second-degree murder
• Carrying or use of firearm in the commission of a separate felony
• Place to keep ammunition
• Reckless endangering

Guevarra’s bail was set at $1,823,000. He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Thursday, Sept. 24, in Hilo District Court.

The Area I Criminal Investigation Section is continuing this investigation. Police ask anyone with information on this case to please contact Detective Michael Matsumura of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, at (808) 961-2386, or via email at michael.matsumura@hawaiipolice.gov.

Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record any calls or subscribe to caller ID.