Hawai’i Island police have identified the badly burned body that was discovered in a large banyan tree in Hilo last week as 59-year-old Deborah Ann Cohn-Hoomalu of Hilo. A recent autopsy showed no signs of non-fire related trauma, however final autopsy results are pending toxicology and additional forensic testing.
The investigation remains classified as a coroner’s inquest. On Monday, January 2, HFD responded to report of a large banyan tree on fire across from Reed’s Bay Beach Park. Upon extinguishing the blaze, fire personnel discovered charred human remains within an opening at the base of the tree and immediately alerted police. Police did not discover reports of any type of disturbance prior to witnessing the smoke and flames coming from within the banyan tree.
Police ask anyone who may have information relative to this case to contact Detective Clarence Davies of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2382 or via email at Clarence.Davies@hawaiicounty.gov, or the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.