(Update) Police Identify Hilo Murder Victim  

Detectives with the Area I Criminal Investigation Section have identified the man shot to death in Hilo on Wednesday morning, February 19, 2025, as 36-year-old Brandon Shane Kalani Castillias of Hilo.

On Friday morning, February 21, an autopsy was performed, and the forensic pathologist ruled the manner of death as homicide due to a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Shortly after 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, South Hilo patrol officers responded to a residence on the 1600 block of Maunakai Street in Hilo, after a woman called police dispatch requesting police and an ambulance after hearing a gunshot fronting her residence.

Upon arrival, responding officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel located Castillias, who appeared lifeless, on the roadway fronting the residence with a gunshot wound to the torso.

Paramedics attempted lifesaving measures, however they were unsuccessful. Castillias was transported to the Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 9:39 a.m.

Area I Criminal Investigation Section personnel responded to the scene to continue the investigation, which is classified as second-degree murder. During the course of the investigation, detectives executed search warrants at the residence and on a vehicle recovered from the residence driveway. Area I Criminal Investigation Section detectives are continuing this investigation, however, have not yet identified a suspect or motive in this investigation.

Police ask anyone who may have been in the area on Maunakai Street shortly before 5:00 a.m. Wednesday morning, or whom may have information about this incident, to contact Detective Amy Omaya with the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, at (808) 961-2381, or via email at Amy.Omaya@hawaiicounty.gov.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. 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.