Hawaiʻi Island police are investigating a homicide following an incident in Kawaihae on January 3,

Initially classified as an assault, the case was reclassified after the victim, 40-year-old Leah Bannister of Kurtistown, died from her injuries. Bannister was involved in a physical altercation, then drove a Nissan SUV toward individuals and collided with a parked vehicle.

38-year-old Heʻenalu Luta, allegedly punched Bannister, causing her to lose consciousness. She was taken to Queen’s North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital but died early January 4. Luta was arrested for first-degree assault but later released pending investigation.

An autopsy will be scheduled to determine the cause of death.

Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Detective Bradley Llanes of the Area II Criminal Investigation Section via email at bradley.llanes@hawaiipolice.gov