47-Year-Old James Paul Phelps Found Dead in Mountain View, Hawaiʻi – Police Seek Information on Homicide Investigation

Accident – death – Obituary News : (BIVN) – The investigation into a homicide that took place in the Mountain View area of Puna in October 2022 is still ongoing, with Hawaiʻi Police urging the public to come forward with any information related to the murder of 47-year-old James Paul Phelps.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of October 11, 2022, when Puna patrol officers were dispatched to a residence on Lehua Street in Mountain View. The officers responded to a call from an individual who had gone to check on the welfare of an acquaintance, only to discover a strong and unpleasant odor emanating from within the residence. The concerned individual immediately contacted the police, prompting the officers to investigate further. Tragically, they found the decomposing body of James Paul Phelps on the floor of the off-grid residence.

Three days later, on October 14, 2022, an autopsy was conducted, and a forensic pathologist determined that Phelps had died from a single gunshot wound to the head. Consequently, the manner of death was officially classified as a homicide. James Paul Phelps, a resident of Mountain View, was 47 years old at the time of his death.

The case is being handled by detectives from Area I Criminal Investigation Section, who are diligently working to solve this second-degree murder. While the motive behind the killing remains unknown, investigators are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for answers.

In their efforts to gather vital information, the Hawaiʻi Police Department is appealing to the public for any details that could be relevant to the case. Detective Kimo Keliipaakaua, from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, can be reached at (808) 961-2375 or via email at kimo.keliipaakaua@hawaiicounty.gov. Alternatively, individuals can contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.

For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers offers a platform to share information without revealing their identity. By calling the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300, tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. It is worth noting that Crime Stoppers is a valuable volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who prioritize community safety. Therefore, all information shared with Crime Stoppers is strictly confidential, and neither calls nor any form of Caller ID service is recorded.

As the investigation into this tragic homicide in the Mountain View area progresses, the Hawaiʻi Police Department hopes that members of the public will step forward and provide any information that might shed light on this devastating crime. By working together, the community can assist law enforcement in bringing justice to James Paul Phelps and closure to his loved ones..