Hawai‘i Island detectives are investigating a shooting in Hilo that left a man dead.

Shortly after 4 a.m. this morning, December 18, 2020, police responded to a call of gunshots heard in the area of the Puainako Town Center.

Responding officers discovered an unresponsive male in a late model dark colored Chevy sedan parked within the parking lot.

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section responded and are continuing the investigation, which is classified as a second degree murder.

Detectives do not have a suspect in custody, however have recovered video footage from businesses in the area for review. Additionally, a witness reported observing a light colored sedan leaving the area soon after hearing the gunshots.

The male victim was transported to the Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. His identity is being withheld pending the notification of the next of kin. An autopsy is scheduled for this morning to determine the exact cause of death.

If anyone has information regarding this homicide is asked to call Detective John Balberde of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808)961-2386 or email at john.balberde@hawaiicounty.gov.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 and callers may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

Report No.: 20-096244