Body found in field identified as missing Hilo woman
Big Island police say a Hilo woman's body was found in a former Hamakua sugar cane field on Monday. She was identified as Myra Hatayama, who was reported missing under suspicious circumstances.
Big Island police say they have found the body of Myra M. Hatayama, a 46-year-old Hilo who was reported missing earlier this month.
Big Island police say a missing Hilo woman’s body was found in a remote former sugar cane field in the Hamakua District and foul play has not been ruled out in her death.
X-rays and dental records were used to identify the decomposed body of Myra H. Hatayama, 46, of Hilo. Police located the body Monday after receiving a tip.
Hatayama was last seen in the night and early morning hours of March 4 and March 5.
An autopsy was conducted Friday, but police are not releasing the preliminary findings until further tests are conducted.
On March 14, police renewed a plea for information about Hatayama after an investigation raised concerns about her safety and well being. Detectives said circumstances surrounding her disappearance are "highly suspicious."
Hatayama was often seen driving a Jeep Liberty sports utility vehicle, license plate PWU 744, but was said to have been last seen leaving her Wainaku residence on foot.
Police ask that anyone who may have information about Hatayama’s activities prior to her disappearance, call Detective Reed Mahuna at 961-2384 or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.
