A Hilo man, 21 year-old Joshua Ho, was indicted by a Hilo grand jury on Wednesday. Ho was charged in relation to an incident that occurred on January 16, 2023 at a residence in Panaewa.
Ho is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Hilo Circuit Court on Friday afternoon. He remains in custody in lieu of $2,750,000.00 bail.

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that as the Complaint alleges, Ho was charged with four offenses including, a single count each of Murder in the First Degree (intentionally or knowingly cause the death of more than one person, by stabbing and/or slashing with a knife) and Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and two counts of Murder in the Second Degree (intentionally or knowingly cause the death of another person by stabbing and/or slashing with a knife).

Murder in the First Degree carries a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors provided notice of an intention to seek an extended term of imprisonment alleging that Ho is an offender against the elderly.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case was initiated by Officer Lam Doan, South Hilo Patrol, and the felony investigation was led by Detective John Balberde and the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Malate.

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.