Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Puna man, 39 year-old Ryan Davis, was sentenced to a twenty (20) year prison term for a 2019 shooting that resulted in the death of 38 year-old Joshua John Santos of Puna which occurred at Davis’ Plumeria Street residence in Mountain View.

On May 9, 2022, Davis pleaded “Guilty” to the offenses of Manslaughter and Carrying or Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Separate Felony. Manslaughter and Carrying or Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Separate Felony are both class “A” felony offenses and carry a maximum penalty of a twenty (20) year prison term.

Davis, who has been in custody throughout the duration of these criminal proceedings following his March 19, 2019 arrest, was sentenced to twenty (20) year prison terms for both the Manslaughter and Use of Firearm offenses.

The case was initiated by Puna Patrol, and the arrest and felony investigation was led by Detective Kelly Moniz and the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen.
“The State hopes that yesterday’s sentencing affords the family and friends of Joshua Santos some closure and hopefully a little sense that justice was served and that Josh will never be forgotten,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen. “Our Office will continue its ongoing efforts to hold violent offenders accountable for their actions with the goal of deterring future crime and making our community a safer place.”

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having