Full Notification

Hawaiʻi Police Department
Criminal Investigation Section, Area I
Lieutenant Gregory Esteban
Phone: 961-2252
C13003922



Media Release

Police are investigating a reported shooting incident that occurred last night in Hilo that left two women dead.

At about 11:20 pm on Monday night, police responded to several calls of gunshots in the 600 block of Leilani Street. Responding officers conducted checks within the residence and discovered two victims with apparent gunshot wounds.

Both victims were transported to the Hilo Medical Center where they were pronounced dead. Police are withholding the release of the victim’s identity pending positive identification and notification of the next of kin.

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section responded to the scene and are continuing the investigation.

Sean Ivan Masa Matsumoto, 34 of Hilo, was taken into custody at the scene on suspicion of first degree murder and two counts of second degree murder.

Two children who were also at the residence at the time of the shooting were uninjured and are under the care of family members.

Police are asking the public to avoid the area as there are road closures between Hinano and Manono Streets, which will remain closed while detectives conduct further investigations.

Police ask that anyone with information on this case to call Detective Ernest Matsumoto at 961-2379 or email at [email protected] or Detective Joel Field at 961-2381 or email at [email protected]

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona 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 doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.