On June 1, 1999, at 2:47 pm, police responded to Waipio Valley after beachgoers reported finding a human body buried in the sand near the beach. The body was found to be in an advanced state of decomposition and was transported to the morgue at the Hilo Medical Center for examination.
An autopsy determined that the victim was male and the cause of death was asphyxia with the death ruled a homicide.
Detectives were able to obtain fingerprints positively identifying the victim as Matthew Joel Peak, age 22.
Investigators learned that Peak was a resident of Waipio Valley who often hitchhiked and frequented areas in Hilo and Puna.
Case Number: (F-96184)
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers’ information is kept confidential.
or click the button below to submit a tip