43 year-old Michael John Sears of Hanalei was recently indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, Arson in the First Degree and Abuse of a Corpse.

The Indictment alleges that Sears intentionally or knowingly caused the death of Paul Nicolas earlier this month. It also alleges that Sears intentionally or knowingly set fire to or caused to be burned Paul Nicolas’ property without his consent causing damage in excess of $20,000. Finally, the Indictment alleges that Sears intentionally or knowingly treated a human corpse in a way that would outrage ordinary family sensibilities.

According to police, firefighters responded to a report of a vehicle fire at Anahola Beach Park. After the fire was fully extinguished, police discovered a body located inside the vehicle. Forensic examination of Nicolas’s remains revealed that he had been shot multiple times before he and his vehicle were set ablaze.

Sears has been in custody at Kauaʻi Community Correctional Center on an unrelated Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree charge since February 2, 2024.

Bail on the Indictment has been set at two million dollars.