The boyfriend of a 25-year-old woman who was strangled and her body dumped off the Kalapana coast last month is now considered the prime suspect in the murder investigation.

Hawaii County police is seeking the public’s help in finding Boaz David Johnson, 22, who has been missing since the body of Brittany Jane Royal was found May 28. He still may be in the state, police said.

Johnson is described as Caucasian, about 5 feet 7 inches, about 150 pounds with a slim build and a fair complexion. He was last seen unshaven and with medium-length brown hair. He also has a tattoo of a upper body of a horse near the right side of his abdomen. Police said he is considered dangerous. 

Royal’s body was found caught in a fishing line on May 28 at about 6:28 a.m. She was identified through fingerprints and the medical examiner ruled that she died as the result of strangulation. 

Police ask that anyone with information on Johnson’s whereabouts contact detective Robert Almeida at (808) 961-2386 or ralmeida@co.hawaii.hi.us, detective Fetuutuunai Amuimuia at (808) 961-2278 or famuimuia@co.hawaii.hi.us, or Lt. Gregory Esteban at (808) 961-2252 or gesteban@hawaiicounty.gov. 

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.