Police Seek Information on December 2023 Hilo Homicide Investigation

Hawai’i Island police detectives are renewing their request for information about a December 2023 homicide that left 68-year-old Albert Harry Pacheco Sr., of Hilo, dead.

On December 3, 2023, shortly before 4:45 p.m., South Hilo patrol officers responded to a report of an unresponsive male seated within a vehicle on a banana farm, above Alae Cemetery, in Hilo. Responding officers located Pacheco, later determined to be an employee at the farm, seated within his vehicle. He was found to have a single gunshot wound to his upper thigh area.

An autopsy was later performed and the forensic pathologist ruled the manner of death homicide. This case is currently classified as second-degree murder.  

During the course of this investigation, Area I Criminal Investigation Section detectives have interviewed numerous witnesses, to include employees of the banana farm and neighboring properties, as well as friends and family of Pacheco. Police have not yet identified a motive or suspect in this case.  

Police ask anyone who may have information relative to this case to call Detective Christopher Jelsma of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2386 or email Christopher.Jelsma@hawaiicounty.gov or the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.