Hawaii island police open murder investigation after body found in car in Kalapana
Hawaii island police have opened a second-degree murder investigation after patrol officers found a body in a vehicle along a Kalapana roadside Sunday.
The victim has been identified as 49-year-old Lance Toshio Shitabata of Hilo, according to a Hawaii Police Department news release.
An autopsy is scheduled to be performed today to determine the exact cause of death.
Puna patrol officers responded to a report of a body in a parked white Ford Mustang on the shoulder of the Keaau-Pahoa Road in Kalapana shortly after 6:30 a.m.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Clarence Davies at (808) 961-2384 or via email at Clarence.Davies@hawaiicounty.gov.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300.
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