HILO — Police have arrested a 30-year-old Kurtistown man they believe is involved in the disappearance and possible homicide of 44-year-old Dante Peter Gilman of Hawaiian Acres.
HILO — Police have arrested a 30-year-old Kurtistown man they believe is involved in the disappearance and possible homicide of 44-year-old Dante Peter Gilman of Hawaiian Acres.
The man was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder. He had not been charged as of early Thursday evening and is being held at the Hilo police cellblock while detectives investigate. West Hawaii Today is not naming the man because he has not been charged.
“We’re pursuing the investigation and that’s all we’re going to disclose at this point,” Criminal Investigations Section Lt. Greg Esteban said late Thursday afternoon. “We’ve got a lot more work to do.”
Gilman was reported missing on Jan. 10. Police said in a bulletin at that time he was last seen in Hawaiian Acres on or about Dec. 30.
Another bulletin was issued on Wednesday stating that a homicide investigation had been opened and that police were searching for Gilman’s body.
Asked if the body had been discovered, Esteban replied: “No. We’re still searching at this point.” As for motive, he said, “That’s part of the investigation, as well.”
Anyone with information about Gilman’s disappearance and possible murder is asked to contact Detective John Rodrigues Jr. at 961-2384 or jrodrigues@co.hawaii.hi.us or Detective Norbert Serrao at 961-2383 or nserrao@co.hawaii.hi.us. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.