Puna murder victim died of blow to his head, autopsy finds
A Puna man whom police say was murdered died of an injury to the brain caused by blunt force trauma, Hawaii County police said.
An autopsy was conducted Tuesday on James V. Johns Sr., 54, of Nanawale Estates.
Police arrested a 36-year-old Pahoa man Monday on suspicion of second-degree murder in the death of Johns, the suspect’s landlord.
Johns’ 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 lived on the property in a separate building from the rental unit.
Police ask that anyone with information on this incident to contact Detective Norbert Serrao at 961-2383 or nserrao@co.hawaii.hi.us.
