Hawai’i Island police have initiated a homicide investigation into the death of Adam Santos whose remains were found buried in a lava field in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision last week..

Santos, who was reported missing on June 30, 2024, was last seen at his residence in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estate subdivision on June 22.

Acting on an anonymous tip, officers went to a property adjacent to Santos’ residence where a make shift gravesite was discovered.  Detectives unearthed the remains of a male who was later identified as Santos.

Following an autopsy, the forensic pathologist ruled that Santos’ death was caused by multiple blunt force trauma to his head.

Investigators do not have a motive for the killing and no suspects have been identified.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 960-3118; or via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov.