36 year-old Michael Dwayne Carvalho II of Puna was charged with murder, burglary, criminal property damage, and assault against a law enforcement officer following a September 15 incident at a Hawaiian Beaches residence.

Carvalho is alleged to have caused the death of a 34 year-old Hilo woman, damaged several windows of the residence, and later assaulted a police officer who was assisting in the investigation.

As the Complaint alleges, Carvalho was charged with Murder in the Second Degree (intentionally or knowingly caused the death of another person), Burglary in the First Degree, Criminal Property Damage in the Second Degree (damaged the property of another, windows, without the owner’s consent, and the damage exceeded $1,500.00), Habitual Property Crime, and Assault Against a Law Enforcement Officer in the First Degree. Murder in the Second Degree usually carries a penalty of life in prison with a possibility of parole; however, Prosecutors have provided notice of an intention to seek a sentencing enhancement which would subject Carvalho to serve a life prison term without parole  based on allegations that the murder was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel, manifesting exceptional depravity.

The investigation was initiated by Officers Devin Ah Chong and Keanu Lum Won, Puna Patrol, and the felony investigation was lead by Detective John Balberde, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, and assisted by members of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section and Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ha‘aheo Kaho‘ohalahala.

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

 

HPD Photo