Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 32 year-old Dustin Kapena Bell of Hilo was charged in relation to a shooting on Sugar Mill Road in Pepe‘ekeo on March 12, 2022.

As the Complaint alleges, Bell was charged with Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (engaged in conduct, which, under the circumstances as he believed them to be, constituted a substantial step in the course of conduct intended to culminate in his commission of the crime of Murder in the Second Degree, defined as intentionally or knowingly causing the death of another person), Assault in the First Degree (cause serious bodily injury to another person), and False Reporting to Law Enforcement Authorities (making a police report that is known to be false). If convicted as charged of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Bell is subject to a life sentence with the possibility of parole.

The investigation was initiated by Officers Alexis Amon-Wilkins and Lisa Ebesugawa, South Hilo Patrol. The follow up investigation was a collaborative effort between South Hilo Patrol and the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Malate.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office