A violent confrontation in downtown Hilo has turned fatal, and Hawaiʻi Island police say they are now treating the case as a homicide. South Hilo patrol officers were called to reports of a fight in the 100 block of Operations Street last Saturday, where they found an unconscious man with severe head injuries. The victim, later identified as 57-year-old Hilo resident Michael Alan Torres Jr., was rushed to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, then airlifted to Queen’s Medical Center on Oʻahu. He died there on Thursday.
Police Reclassify Case as Second-Degree Murder
According to the Hawaiʻi Police Department, officers responded to the scene at 5:11 p.m., and detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section quickly took over the case. Investigators processed the area for evidence, and the incident has since been reclassified as second-degree murder. An autopsy was performed Friday to determine the exact cause of death.
Victim Identified
As reported by Big Island Now, the victim was identified as Michael Alan Torres Jr., a 57-year-old Hilo man. Police say he was found unconscious after what they describe as a multi-person assault. Torres was initially stabilized in Hilo before being transferred to Oʻahu for more advanced care, but he did not survive his injuries.
How to Help the Investigation
Detectives are urging anyone who saw what happened to come forward. Witnesses are asked to contact Detective Robert Kamau Jr. of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2384 or by email at [email protected]. Tipsters who prefer to stay anonymous can call the islandwide Crime Stoppers line at (808) 961-8300, according to the department. More details are available from the Hawaiʻi Police Department.
Investigation Ongoing
Police say the investigation is active and ongoing, and no arrests or charges have been announced. Detectives are still working to piece together what led up to the fatal assault and who was involved, and they are asking anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to contact them.
