Pāhoa Woman Charged With Attempted Murder After Ainaloa Domestic Stabbing
A 54-year-old Pāhoa woman was arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder and assault following a domestic disturbance in the Ainaloa subdivision that left a 56-year-old man with sharp-object injuries. The total bail for the defendant, Jill Dunston, was set at $1.04 million as she awaited her initial court appearance.
Hawaiʻi police officers responded to a residential call at approximately 7:44 p.m. on Sept. 30, locating the victim in the 16-2000 block of Lauhala Drive. Emergency responders treated the man at the scene before he transferred to Hilo Benioff Medical Center for further medical care due to the severity of his wounds.
Arrest and Charges Filed at Hilo District Court
According to Hawaii News Now, the victim and witnesses at the residence identified Dunston as the individual possessing a knife during the altercation. Officers initially took Dunston into custody on suspicion of second-degree assault and abuse of a family or household member without incident, housing her at the East Hawaiʻi Detention Center.
Detectives with the department’s Juvenile Aid Section subsequently executed search warrants and completed additional witness interviews. Following consultation with the Hawaiʻi County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney on Friday, Oct. 2, authorities updated the formal charges against Dunston to include second-degree assault, abuse of a family or household member in the presence of a minor, and attempted second-degree murder.
Police Seek Tips on Lauhala Drive Incident
As KHON2 reported, Dunston remained in police custody at the detention center ahead of her scheduled initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Monday, Oct. 5. Investigators have asked anyone possessing additional details regarding the Lauhala Drive incident to reach out directly to Detective Kupono Mata at 808-961-2278 or via email at Kupono.mata@hawaiipolice.gov.
Individuals preferring to remain anonymous can submit tips through Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300. Program administrators confirmed that the volunteer organization does not record calls or utilize caller ID, and eligible tipsters may qualify for a financial reward of up to $1,000.