The identity of the badly decomposed body that was discovered on Tuesday afternoon, October 11, 2022 at a residence in Mountain View has been identified as 47-year-old James Paul Phelps, of a Lehua Street address, in Mountain View.

Shortly after 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Puna patrol officers responded to the residence on Lehua Street, after a caller reported going to check on the welfare of an acquaintance, and discovering a foul odor coming from within. She immediately contacted police. Responding officers located the decomposing body on the floor of the off-grid residence.

On Friday, October 14, 2022, an autopsy was performed and the forensic pathologist concluded that the victim died as a result of a single gunshot wound to the head, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

Area I Criminal Investigation Section detectives are continuing the investigation, which is now classified as second-degree murder. At this time a suspect has not been identified, and the motive behind the killing is under investigation.      

Police ask anyone who may have information relative to this case to call Detective Kimo Keliipaakaua of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2375, or email at kimo.keliipaakaua@hawaiicounty.gov or the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.