MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaiʻi Island police have initiated a murder investigation in connection with the discovery of a woman’s body on her Puna property.

On Tuesday evening (August 25), Puna District officers responded to reports of a disturbance on Kapoho Kai Drive. Investigation led to the discovery of a woman’s body, outside her home, with suspicious injuries.

The victim has been identified as 63-year-old Nadean Rutledge of Pāhoa.

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section are actively investigating the case. They have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Police ask anyone with any information about this case to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or Detective Grant Todd at 961-2255.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.