HILO, HI – Hawai’i Island police are investigating a murder that occurred early Saturday morning on the 200 block of Olu Street in Hilo. An 81-year-old woman was found stabbed to death in her driveway following a violent attack.
According to police report no. 25-028832, Hilo patrol officers responded to a call at approximately 7:22 a.m. reporting an unresponsive elderly woman who had been stabbed in the face at her residence. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim lying in her driveway, suffering from multiple stab wounds to her facial area.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Keone Peter Tosie Brown, was apprehended shortly after the incident. Brown was located on his property, which adjoins the victim’s residence, allegedly attempting to flee along the property fence line. He was arrested without incident and transported to the East Hawai’i Detection Facility, pending further investigation.
Hawaii Fire Department personnel responded to the scene but determined the victim was beyond life-saving measures.
A witness at the scene reportedly told police that after observing Brown stab the victim multiple times, he turned his attention towards her and threatened her with the knife before retreating to his property.
Area I Criminal Investigation Division personnel are currently on scene conducting the investigation, which is classified as second-degree murder and first-degree terrorist threatening. Police are awaiting a search warrant to thoroughly examine the suspect’s residence for evidence.
The victim was transported to Hilo Medical Center and officially pronounced dead at 9:57 a.m. Her identity is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.
An autopsy will be performed early next week to determine the exact cause of death.
Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact Detective Duane Rapoza Jr., of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, at (808) 961-2383, or via email at Duane.Rapoza@hawaiicounty.gov. They may also contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.
Anyone with information who wishes to remain anonymous can make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record any calls or subscribe to caller ID.
