A Puna man, 36-year-old Michael Dwayne Carvalho II, was charged with murder, burglary, criminal property damage, and assault against a law enforcement officer. The charges stem from a September 15, 2022 incident at a residence in the Hawaiian Beaches subdivision in Puna and an alleged assault of a police officer while he was incarcerated in the Hilo Cellblock early in the morning on September 16, 2022.
The charges against Carvalho stem from an incident reported shortly before 5:00 a.m. Thursday, September 15, 2022, when Puna Patrol officers responded to a residence at15-300 block of Kahakai Boulevard for a report of an active burglary. The residence was reportedly being renovated and no one should be on the premises.
Responding officers found the residence to have numerous shattered glass windows; however, no one was located within. Shortly afterward, officers observed fresh footprints on the exterior sidewalk area of the residence, and upon investigating further, they located Carvalho hiding behind a stone wall bordering the property. He was taken into custody at that time for trespassing. As officers continued to clear the property, the lifeless body was located in the grassy yard behind the residence.
The victim was identified as 34-year-old Makalapuanani Beverly Mauga. Mauga had numerous blunt force trauma-type injuries about her head and body. Mauga was transported to the Hilo Medical Center and pronounced dead at 10:53 a.m. An autopsy was performed Friday morning, September 16, 2022; the forensic pathologist determined that Mauga died as a result of multiple blunt force head injuries, and strangulation. The manner of death was ruled homicide.
As the Complaint alleges, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that Carvalho was charged with Murder in the Second Degree (intentionally or knowingly caused the death of another person), Burglary in the First Degree, Criminal Property Damage in the Second Degree (damaged the property of another, windows, without the owner’s consent, and the damage exceeded $1,500.00), Habitual Property Crime, and Assault Against a Law Enforcement Officer in the First Degree. Murder in the Second Degree usually carries a penalty of life in prison with a possibility of parole; however, Prosecutors have provided notice of an intention to seek a sentencing enhancement which would subject Carvalho to serving a life term without parole based on allegations that the murder was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity.
Carvalho was scheduled to make his initial appearance this afternoon Monday, September 19, 2022, in Hilo District Court. After today’s hearing, Carvalho bail was maintained at lieu of $1,055,000.00 bail. He remains in custody.
The investigation was initiated by Officers Devin Ah Chong and Keanu Lum Won, Puna Patrol, and the felony investigation was lead by Detective John Balberde, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, and assisted by members of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section and Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ha‘aheo Kaho‘ohalahala.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.