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Hawaii County police arrested a 36-year-old Pahoa man Monday in connection with the apparent murder of his landlord in the Nanawale Estates subdivision in Puna.
Jason Russell Jump was arrested without incident in Pahoa. He was being held in the Hilo police cellblock on suspicion of second-degree murder.
Police identified the victim as James V. Johns, 54. His body was found in his home just after 5 p.m. Sunday. Police earlier Sunday had responded to a report of a disturbance at the home.
Police Lt. Greg Esteban said Johns sustained severe head injuries, and said officers recovered what is believed to be the weapon.
Esteban said Johns was Jump’s landlord and lived in a separate building on the property.
Police made identification through fingerprints, Esteban said. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.
Police will confer with prosecutors today to discuss possible charges.
