Police investigate murder in Hilo; unrelated to Puna manhunt

HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) – As Hawaii Island police hunt down a suspect linked to three murders in Puna, detectives are investigating a separate homicide in Hilo.

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Just after 8 a.m. Thursday, police said officers were called to Piopio Street after a Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks employee found an unresponsive woman.

Witness images showed police tape and first responders around the Wailoa Art Center.

Police said the woman was not breathing and suffered head and facial injuries consistent with an assault.

She was taken to Hilo Benioff Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at 8:38 a.m. An autopsy will be performed Friday to determine her exact cause of death.

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Police said there is no indication Thursday’s homicide is connected to Puna killings.

Police said no suspect is in custody.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is urged to contact Detective Sybastian Keltner of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, at (808) 961-2326, or via email at [email protected].

You 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.

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