- Hawaii Police Department - https://www.hawaiipolice.com -

Police Seek Help in 1997 Homicide 02/28/00

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
HILO CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION SECTION
LIEUTENANT DEREK D. PACHECO
PHONE: 961-2252
FEBRUARY 28, 2000
F-38172

MEDIA RELEASE

Police are asking for the public’s help in solving the murder of Clayton Larry Alani, which occurred in Puna on September 12, 1997.

The case had first been classified as an industrial accident, but was changed to a homicide investigation after autopsy results determined that the victim had been shot in the head with a small caliber weapon.

Responding to a call, Puna patrol officers found the victim’s body lying on the ground near a D-9 bulldozer at Road 39 in the Orchiland Estates subdivision. At first it had appeared that Alani, 38, of Keaau, had fallen from the bulldozer and was run over by it while clearing land at the site.

Police were called after Alani had failed to return home after dark and a relative went to the scene and found the victim’s body.

Hilo Criminal Investigation Section detectives are asking anyone who may have information about the crime to call the Hilo CIS at 961-2252.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. The numbers are answered 24 hours a day. Callers will be given a coded number and their identity will remain anonymous. Callers may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 if their call leads to an arrest, indictment or the recovery of property

# # #