Kurtistown man charged in murder of mother-in-law

Hawaii Island police have charged 52-year-old Christopher Roy Howlind of Kurtistown with murder following the violent slaying of his mother-in-law, 58-year-old Teri Lynn Apple, on Friday afternoon in Keaau.

At 1:40 p.m. today, upon being released from the Hilo Medical Center, Howlind was taken into custody and transported to the Hilo Police Station.

He later was charged with second-degree murder, and his bail was set at $1 million.

The charge against Howlind stems from an incident reported shortly after 2:30 p.m. Friday, when Puna patrol officers responded to an unknown type disturbance at a residence on 38th Avenue in Orchidland Estates subdivision.

Responding officers immediately located a man, later identified as Howlind, who appeared in need of medical assistance. He had visible injuries to his hands, and his clothes were bloodied.

Officers observed a large sword covered in blood next to Howlind.

Officers immediately summoned medical assistance for Howlind, and while officers were awaiting the ambulance, they located the victim’s lifeless body with severe wounds to her neck, upper body, arms and hands.

Howlind was then arrested for murder.

While Howlind was being transported to the Hilo cellblock, he began vomiting and became unresponsive, according to police.

He was taken to the Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room, and later admitted. It is believed he ingested some type of chemical liquid prior to police arriving on scene.

An autopsy was completed on Tuesday morning, and the forensic pathologist ruled that Apple died as a result of multiple chop wounds and sharp-forced injuries, and ruled the manner of death homicide.

Due to Howlind’s medical condition following the initial arrest, he was released from police custody on Sunday. Detectives then obtained an arrest warrant, so that upon his condition improving and his release from the hospital, Howlind could again be taken into custody.