Police: Missing person case now a murder-suicide

A missing person case is now being investigated as a murder-suicide, according to police.

A body found May 23 in Orchidland Estates has been identified as 38-year-old Ashley Michelle Kuregian of Keaau. Her body was in advanced state of composition when discovered. A follow-up forensic examination on Friday determined that she died of a single gunshot wound to the head and the manner of her death was ruled a homicide.

Police also identified a man who shot himself to death on May 23 as police arrived to execute a search warrant based on Kuregian’s disappearnce on his 15th Avenue Hawaiian Paradise Park home as 38-year-old Matthew Adrian Poole.

According to police, Poole was Kuregian’s boyfriend and reported her missing on May 21. He reportedly told police he hadn’t seen Kuregian since May 14.

An autopsy performed May 24 on Poole determined that he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, police said.

The investigation is continuing and police ask that anyone with information contact Detective Amy Omaya at (808) 961-2381 or amy.omaya@hawaiicounty.gov, or the police department’s nonemergency line at (808) 935-3311.

Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. 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.