Report No.: 20-083446

Hawaiʻi Island Police have arrested a Hilo man in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred early this afternoon at an apartment complex on Puueo Street in Hilo.

The suspect is identified as 41-year-old Davi Frank Alvarez Sr., of Hilo

Shortly after 1:00 p.m. today (October 31), South Hilo Patrol officers responded to the Val Hala Apartment Complex located on Puueo Street in Hilo, for a report of a female who had been stabbed within her apartment.

During the course of the investigation, police were able to identify Alvarez as a suspect; witnesses reported that he had left the area prior to police arrival.

Extensive area checks were conducted for Alvarez in the Hilo area, and at approximately 3:35 p.m., he was located walking on Kapiolani Street in Hilo, where he was arrested without incident.

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

The victim was transported to the Hilo Medical Center and was pronounced dead at 4:00 p.m. today.

The victim has been positively identified as 39-year-old Noelle Keala Tamiko Buffett, of Hilo. The victim and Alvarez are acquaintances.

An autopsy is scheduled for early next week to determine the exact cause of death.

Police are asking anyone with information on this incident to contact Detective John Balberde at (808) 961-2386 or email him at John.Balberde@hawaiicounty.gov.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.