A 36-year-old Hilo man is hospitalized in serious condition and a woman with a lengthy criminal history is in police custody after an early morning shooting Tuesday in Keaukaha’s Hawaiian Homes neighborhood.
Police said officers responded at about 1 a.m. to what a statement described as “an unknown disturbance” and found the man lying in the front yard of a home in the 100 block of Kauhane Avenue.
“I don’t know what led up to his injury, but he did have a single gunshot wound to the chest,” said Acting Lt. Todd Pataray of the Hilo Investigations Section.
Asked about the unknown disturbance, Pataray replied, “I don’t believe neighbors heard a gunshot. They just heard people arguing.”
Police did not identify the victim, who was taken to Hilo Medical Center.
At about 3:40 a.m., police arrested 43-year-old Chanell Evangelista-Kaleiwahea of Hilo on suspicion of attempted second-degree murder. As of late Tuesday afternoon, she had not been charged and detectives continued to investigate.
Pataray said Evangelista-Kaleiwahea and the victim are acquaintances.
“I’m not sure about the nature of their relationship. We still have to talk to the victim,” he said. Pataray added he wasn’t sure if Evangelista-Kaleiwahea or the victim live in the home.
Asked if a firearm was found at the scene, Pataray said police are in the process of obtaining a search warrant for the property.
A search of court records turned up 23 criminal convictions for Evangelista-Kaleiwahea dating back to 1996, including four felonies — three for burglary and another for drugs.
She was free on court-supervised release in an active auto theft case prior to her arrest.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Kelly Moniz at 961-2385 or email kelly.moniz@hawaiicounty.gov.
Those who prefer anonymity can call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
