Police are seeking the public’s assistance in providing information related to a 2022 murder in the Fern Acres subdivision in Mountain View.
The victim was identified as 47-year-old James Paul Phelps who, according to police, owned and lived on the Lehua Street property where his body was found with a single gunshot wound to the head.
Phelps’ body was found by Puna patrol officers shortly after 1:30 p.m. Oct. 11, 2022. According to police, officers responded to the residence after a woman acquaintance of Phelps had gone to his home to check on his welfare, but didn’t enter because of a foul odor coming from the home.
Officers located the decomposing body on the floor of the house.
Police Capt. Rio Amon-Wilkins, commander of the Criminal Investigation Division, said Phelps was unemployed.
“He pretty much kept to himself. He lived alone,” Amon-Wilkins said. Asked if there was any sign of struggle at the scene, Amon-Wilkins replied, “Not really.”
“It’s an off-grid, very small residence. It was basically one room,” he added. “It wasn’t in the neatest or cleanest of conditions, but there was nothing to indicate a struggle.”
An autopsy was performed on Phelps’ body on Oct. 14, and the forensic pathologist concluded that Phelps died as a result of a single gunshot wound to the head. The death was ruled a homicide.
East Hawaii Criminal Investigation Section detectives continue to investigate the case, which is classified as a second-degree murder.
“We’re still looking into a motive,” Amon-Wilkins said. “We’ve had some tips that we’ve followed up on, but we’d definitely appreciate anyone from the public coming forward if they have information that help us bring this case to a close.”
Anyone who may have information relative to this case to is asked to call Detective Kimo Keliipaakaua at (808) 961-2375, or email him at kimo.keliipaakaua@hawaiicounty.gov.
Those with information can also call the police department’s nonemergency number at (808) 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.