Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Thursday, April 25, 2024 81° Today's Paper


Top News

Big Isle man, 32, charged with murder of neighbor in Volcano

Hawaii County police today charged 32-year-old Daris Pacheco of Volcano with murder and other crimes in the shooting death of his 59-year-old neighbor on Monday.

Patrol officers responded to a call shortly after 1 p.m. Monday of a shooting at a Nau Nani Road home. Police found a man, later identified as Jay Allen Freeman, dead on the ground in his yard.

Officers, including a police Special Response Team, found Pacheco at his home nearby and took him into custody without incident.

An autopsy performed Tuesday found Freeman died of a gunshot wound to the chest, and ruled it a homicide.

Police conferred with prosecutors and charged Pacheco with second-degree murder, first-degree terroristic threatening, burglary of a dwelling during an emergency period, numerous weapons and ammunition offenses, and drug offenses.

Pacheco’s bail was set at $411,000; he remains in police custody and is scheduled to make an initial court appearance Thursday in South Hilo District Court.

Anyone with information on this incident may call the police non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or Detective Casey Cabral at (808) 961-2381, or email Cabral at casey.cabral@hawaiicounty.gov.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.