Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 52 year-old Christopher Howlind of Kurtistown was charged in relation to the murder of his mother-in-law, 58 year-old Teri Apple, at an Orchidland Estates residence last week.

Howlind is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Hilo District Court this afternoon. He remains in custody in lieu of $1,000,000.00 bail.

As the Complaint alleges, Howlind was charged with Murder in the Second Degree (“intentionally or knowingly cause the death of another person”). Murder in the Second Degree carries a sentence of life imprisonment with the possibility of parole.

The case was initiated by Puna Patrol and the felony investigation was led by Detective Clarence Davies, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, with assistance from Evidence Specialist Kristen Bailey, and members of the Area I Special Enforcement Unit and Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department.

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

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney