Police arrest suspect in fatal stabbing

Police say they have arrested a Hilo man in connection with a stabbing that occurred Saturday afternoon in Hilo.

The suspect has been identified as 41-year-old Davi Frank Alvarez Sr. of Hilo, according to reports.

Shortly after 1 p.m. Saturday, South Hilo patrol officers responded to the Val Hala Apartment Complex located on Puueo Street in Hilo, for a report of a woman who had been stabbed inside her apartment.

Police said the victim, 39-year-old Noelle Keala Tamiko Buffett of Hilo, was transported to Hilo Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at 4 p.m. Saturday.

During the course of the investigation, police identified Alvarez as a suspect. Witnesses said he had left the area prior to police arrival. According to police, Buffett and Alvarez were acquaintances.

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

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

An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.

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

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.