Police have initiated a homicide investigation after the discovery of a buried body Tuesday afternoon in the Aloha Estates subdivision of Puna.
Shortly after 2 p.m., officers responded to Road 16 in Aloha Estates after receiving a report that area residents had located buried human remains. Patrol officers confirmed the remains were human and contacted detectives.
The remains were removed from the shallow grave and taken to Hilo Medical Center for official pronouncement of death. Police think the remains had been buried for about two weeks.
An autopsy was performed Thursday morning and the forensic pathologist concluded that the victim died as a result of a gunshot wound to the torso, and the manner of death was ruled homicide.
Due to the stage of decomposition, positive identification is pending DNA or dental comparison.
Anyone with information relative to this investigation is asked to call the police non-emergency number at 935-3311. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 and might be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.