Public’s help sought to solve December 2023 homicide
One year after a Hilo man was found shot to death on a farm, the Hawaii Police Department is still seeking answers.
On Dec. 3, 2023, South Hilo patrol officers investigated reports of an unresponsive man seated in a vehicle on a banana farm above the Alae Cemetery in Hilo. Officers responding to the scene determined the man was deceased and identified him as 68-year-old Albert Harry Pacheco, an employee at the farm.
Although officers initially detected no signs of foul play, a forensic pathologist performing an autopsy found a single gunshot wound on Pacheco’s upper thigh area. That injury led the pathologist to rule the manner of death homicide, and the case is currently classified as second-degree murder.
Detectives have reportedly interviewed numerous witnesses, including other farm employees, neighbors, and friends and family of Pacheco. Despite this, police have not yet identified any motive or suspect in the case.
Consequently, HPD is renewing its request for information . Anyone with information relating to the case is urged to call Detective Christopher Jelsma at (808) 961-2386 or email Christopher.Jelsma@
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00.
Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
