Police investigating shooting deaths in Hilo

Big Island police are investigating a reported shooting incident that occurred last night in Hilo that left two women dead.

At about 11:20 p.m. Monday, police responded to several calls of gunshots in the 600 block of Leilani Street. Responding officers conducted checks within the residence and discovered two victims with apparent gunshot wounds, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

Both victims were transported to the Hilo Medical Center where they were pronounced dead. Police are withholding the release of the victim’s identity pending positive identification and notification of the next of kin.

Area I Criminal Investigation Section detectives responded to the scene and are continuing the investigation.

Sean Ivan Masa Matsumoto, 34 of Hilo, was taken into custody at the scene on suspicion of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder, police said.

Two children who were also at the residence at the time of the shooting were uninjured and are under the care of family members, police said.

The public should avoid the area because of road closures between Hinano and Manono streets, which will remain closed while detectives conduct further investigations, police said.

Anyone with information on this case should call Detective Ernest Matsumoto at 961-2379 or Detective Joel Field at 961-2381. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.