Hawaii Island Police are conducting a death investigation after the discovery of a body Friday evening (Feb. 14) at a homeless encampment on the edge of the Wailuku River bank in Hilo.
The deceased has been positively identified as 28-year-old Isaac Wessel-Rivera of Hilo.
Responding to a call just before 9 p.m. Friday, South Hilo Patrol officers discovered the body within the encampment. A male subject was taken into custody for questioning. Police have identified him as 32-year-old Westen Tegman of Hilo. He was later released pending further investigation.
An autopsy will be performed early next week to determine the exact cause of death.
Police ask anyone who may have been in the area to please contact Detective Blaine Morishita at 961-2385 or email Blaine.Morishita@hawaiicounty.gov or Lieutenant Rio Amon-Wilkins at 961-2252 or email Rio.Amon-Wilkins@hawaiicounty.gov or the police department’s nonemergency number at 935-3311.
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. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.