Police investigate death of man assaulted in Hilo

HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) – Police opened a murder investigation after a Hilo man was pronounced dead Thursday.

Read more 2 dead, 4 injured in head-on crash on Hawaii Island

Michael Alan Torres Jr., 57, was assaulted on Saturday, May 9, at about 5 p.m.

Police responded to the incident, which involved several suspects.

Torres was found unconscious, suffering from serious head injuries. He was treated and transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, said police.

He was later flown to Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu for further treatment.

Torres died in the hospital on Thursday, and police reclassified the case to second-degree murder.

Read more Seniors push back on Kaimuki land transfer, fearing loss of daily programs

An autopsy was scheduled for Friday to determine the exact cause of death. Results are pending.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Robert Kamau Jr. at 808-961-2384 or [email protected].

Read more Hawaii DOE: Class of 2026 graduation dates, times and locations

Anonymous tips may be submitted to CrimeStoppers at 808-961-8300.