A 30-year-old Hilo man is in police custody in connection with a fatal stabbing in Puna.
A 30-year-old Hilo man is in police custody in connection with a fatal stabbing in Puna.
Shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday, Puna patrol officers responded to several calls on Palainui Avenue in the Eden Roc subdivision, initially of a naked man in the area, and later that he was reportedly blocking traffic.
When officers arrived, they were directed to a house that the man had been seen walking towards. Officers found the man, whom they say was standing over the victim, who was lifeless and unresponsive, apparently of stab wounds.
Malcolm K. Utecht, was arrested at the scene and taken to the Hilo cellblock while Hilo Criminal Investigation detectives continue to investigate the incident as second-degree murder.
The victim was pronounced dead at 11:20 p.m. at Hilo Medical Center. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.
The identity of the victim is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.
Anyone who may have information about this incident, or who may have seen Utecht in the area, is asked to call the police non-emergency line at 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
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