Hawaii police launch murder investigation in Puna

Red and blue lights flash on the roof of a patrol car.

HONOLULU (KHON2) – Hawaii police have launched a homicide investigation after a 71-year-old woman was found dead in her Hawaiian Acres home late last week.

The victim was identified as Yong Cha Kim of Mountain View.

The murder reportedly occurred sometime between the evening of Tuesday, June 18, and Thursday, June 20.

Puna Patrol Officers responded to a residence in the 16-1100 block of Uhini Ana Road in Mountain View after an elderly man found his wife unconscious on the floor of their home at approximately 3:14 p.m. on Thursday, June 20.

According to police officers who responded to the call, Kim had suffered several suspicious injuries and there was obviously a disturbance in the apartment.

It was also reported that several items were missing from the apartment.

Kim was taken to Hilo Benioff Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at 6:54 p.m.

A medical examiner performed an autopsy on the victim and determined the cause of death was strangulation. The cause of death was ruled homicide Friday morning.

HPD continues its investigation into the case, which is now classified as second-degree murder.

Police are asking anyone with information to call (808) 961-2381 or email Detective Amy Omaya.