On Thursday evening, members of the Area I Criminal Investigation Division were alerted of a body found to be in the advanced stages of decomposition at a vacant property in Kea’au. The body is believed to be connected to an active missing person investigation involving a 37-year-old Puna woman.

The information leading to the discovery of the remains was obtained during an investigation at a Keaau residence where a search was executed by police earlier in the day.

Police secured and maintained custody of the scene overnight, and recovered the human remains at the next morning.

Following an autopsy, the forensic pathologist deferred the cause and manner of death pending additional forensic examination and testing.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

Area I Criminal Investigation Division personnel are continuing the investigation and are asking anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Detective Amy Omaya of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2381, or via email at amy.omaya@hawaiicounty.gov.