Police have arrested a 52-year-old Puna man on suspicion of second-degree murder following a domestic-related stabbing early Friday afternoon in Orchidland Estates subdivision.
Police have arrested a 52-year-old Puna man on suspicion of second-degree murder following a domestic-related stabbing early Friday afternoon in Orchidland Estates subdivision.
Shortly after 2:30 p.m. Friday, Puna patrol officers responded to a disturbance at a 38th Avenue hone.
Officers immediately came into contact with a man who appeared to be experiencing some type medical episode. He had visible injuries to his hands and his clothes were bloodied, police said. Police say officers saw a large sword covered in blood next to the man, who was later identified as 52-year-old Christopher Roy Howlind.
Officers immediately summoned medical assistance for Howlind.
While officers were awaiting the ambulance, they located a deceased woman with severe knife wounds to her neck, upper body, arms and hands police said. At that time, Howlind was arrested for murder.
While Howlind was being taken to the Hilo Police Cellblock, he began vomiting and became unresponsive, police said. He was immediately taken to the Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room.
Police say Howlind remains hospitalized, in police custody. It is believed he ingested some type of chemical liquid prior to police arriving at the scene.
The investigation into the homicide continues and a search warrant was obtained for the property where 58-year-old victim, her 37-year-old son, and Howlind resided.
An autopsy will be scheduled for early this week to determine the exact cause of death.
Anyone who may have information related to this incident to contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
