Hawaii Island police have initiated a homicide investigation following the discovery of a 71-year-old woman found dead in her Hawaiian Acres home almost two weeks ago.
The victim has been identified as Yong Cha Kim of Mountain View.
Detectives believe the homicide occurred sometime between June 18 and June 20, 2024.
Around 3:14 p.m. June 20, Puna patrol officers responded to a residence in the 16-1100 block of Uhini Ana Road in Mountain View after a man reported his wife lay unresponsive on the floor of their home. Responding officers observed that Kim had sustained several suspicious injuries and that items within the home appeared to be disturbed. It was also reported that several items were stolen.
Hawaii Fire Department medics determined Kim had no signs of life. Her body was taken to Hilo Benioff Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at 6:54 p.m.
On June 28, a forensic pathologist performed an autopsy on the victim and determined that the cause of death was strangulation and she was a homicide victim.
The investigation, now classified as second-degree murder, continues.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Amy Omaya at (808) 961-2381 or amy.omaya@hawaiicounty.gov.
Those who prefer anonymity can call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.