HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT
EAST HAWAII CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION
CAPTAIN CHADWICK FUKUI
PHONE: 961-2251
MAY 26, 2006

MEDIA RELEASE

Detectives from the Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Section in East Hawai`i are continuing the investigation into an attempted Murder and Suicide, which occurred on May 25, 2006, in the Puna District.

On Thursday, (May 25, 2006), at about 6:11 p.m., Puna patrol officers responded to a reported two-vehicle traffic collision, that involved a possible suicide, on Route 11 (Hilo-Volcano Highway) near Lehuanani Subdivision, Glenwood

Upon arrival, officers discovered that Emergency Medical Technicians that had come upon the scene was treating the seriously injured 39-year old female driver of one of the vehicles, who was later transported to the Hilo Medical Center emergency room for treatment. In addition, a 45-year old male, who was identified as the operator of the second vehicle was laying unresponsive on the roadway, with an apparent gunshot wound to the head.

Witnesses at the scene reported that both drivers were stopped on the Volcano bound shoulder of the roadway in their vehicles involved in an apparent domestic dispute, when the female attempted to leave the area by heading in the Keaau direction. The male reportedly then rammed his vehicle into the female’s vehicle, preventing her from leaving the area. The male party reportedly then exited his vehicle and fired a gunshot into his head. Both the female and male were reportedly the sole occupants of their respective vehicles.

The 39-year old female is currently listed in serious, but stable condition, and was flown to Queen’s Hospital for further treatment of the injuries she sustained as a result of the vehicles colliding.

The 45-year old male was transported to the Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.

The names of the parties are being withheld pending the notification of next of kin.

Anyone with information about this incident are asked to contact Detective Lucille Melemai and (808)961-2377 or the police non-emergency telephone number at 935-3311.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept strictly confidential.