Denton Freitas, 45 and known as Dentz, was found dead along a rural stretch of Anthurium Street/Road in the Fern Acres subdivision of Puna District on November 24, 2018. A nearby resident reported multiple gunshots that afternoon; a passing motorist then discovered the body at the roadside and called it in. Officers arriving on scene found Freitas face down beside the road with spent casings nearby.

An autopsy attributed his death to multiple gunshot wounds and confirmed the manner of death as homicide. He was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities placed the case with the Criminal Investigation Section and issued public appeals for information, including a renewed request on January 3, 2019, but the renewed appeal did not announce any arrests, name suspects, or describe a motive.

If anyone was in or near Fern Acres that afternoon or has information about shots fired on Anthurium Street/Road, please come forward.