Hawai’i Island police have initiated a homicide investigation in the Hawaiian Beaches subdivision.

Early yesterday, Puna Patrol officers responded to a residence on Kahakai Boulevard after receiving a report of an active burglary at a residence that was supposed to be empty while being renovated.

Responding officers found a number of shattered glass windows. Checks were made inside residence, and no one was located.. Shortly afterwards, officers observed fresh footprints on the exterior sidewalk area of the residence, and upon investigating further, they located an adult male hiding behind a stone wall bordering the property. He was taken into custody for trespassing.  As officers continued to clear the property, the lifeless body of an adult female was located in the backyard.

The female had numerous blunt force trauma-type injuries on her head and body. She was transported to Hilo Medical Center and later pronounced dead.

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section are continuing the investigation, which is classified as a second-degree murder, as well as trespassing and burglary.

The exact involvement of the male taken into custody is still under investigation, while the identity of the victim is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.  An autopsy to determine the exact cause of death is scheduled for today.

Police are asking anyone who may have information on this incident  to contact Detective John Balberde of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, at (808) 961-2386 or email him at John.Balberde@hawaiicounty.gov.