Autopsy: Ocean View man’s death not caused by assault
Police have opened up a coroner’s inquest and assault investigation after a man died following an assault April 14 in Ocean View.
The decedent has been identified as 60-year old Abel Abrojina of Ocean View.
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According to police, officers were dispatched at about 6:30 p.m. April 14 to a property on the 92-8300 block of Koa Lane for a report of a disturbance. A second call was received from the same area regarding an unresponsive male possibly suffering from a medical condition.
Abrojina’s girlfriend, a 53-year-old Ocean View woman, reported that she was assaulted by her neighbor, 50-year old Melissa Swinson of Ocean View. The victim, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries, reported that while being assaulted, her boyfriend came to her assistance while carrying a machete.
The victim then reported that 51-year old Todd Swinson of Ocean View, who had accompanied his wife Melissa to the victim’s property, took the machete away from Abrojina. Todd Swinson then allegedly struck Abrojina with the machete, causing Abrojina to fall to the ground. Abrojina retreated to a house on the property and collapsed, police said.
Hawaii Fire Department personnel determined that Abrojina had no signs of life. Abrojina was pronounced dead at 1:53 a.m. April 15 at Hilo Benioff Medical Center.
Todd Swinson was subsequently arrested on suspicion of first-degree assault and first-degree terroristic threatening. Melissa Swinson was arrested on suspicion of third-degree assault.
The Swinsons, who both sustained minor injuries, were released from custody April 16 pending further investigation.
An autopsy was performed on April 18 and the forensic pathologist ruled that Abrojina had no serious injuries as a result of the assault. The cause and manner of the death is pending standard toxicology testing.
Potential witnesses or anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the police nonemergency number at (808) 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
