Hawai’i island police are currently investigating a missing person case as a murder-suicide.

On May 23, Area I Criminal Investigation Division members executed a search warrant on a Keaʻau residence in relation to a missing person investigation involving 38-year-old Ashley Michelle Kuregian, who was reported as missing by her boyfriend Matthew Adrian Poole; however, had not been seen for a week.

Upon arrival at the residence, police heard a loud noise resembling a gun shot. The department’s Special Response Team and Crisis Negotiation Team were activated as the residence may have contained an armed barricaded subject. Upon entry they located the body of a deceased male, later identified as 38-year-old Matthew Adrian Poole, of Kea’au, with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. A firearm was also located.

An autopsy determined that Poole died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

During the search of the residence, police discovered information which lead them to conduct a check for Kuregian’s body in the Orchidland Estates Subdivision.

On May 23, officers located a body in vacant property that was in the advanced stages of decomposition.

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

After a follow-up examination of Kuregian’s remains, it was determined that she died as a result of a single gunshot wound to the head, and her manner of death was ruled as a homicide.

Area I Criminal Investigation Division personnel are continuing this investigation and ask anyone who may have information regarding this 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