5-03-23 Puna Murder Victim Identified 
Hawai‘i Police Department
Criminal Investigation Division – Area I
Captain Rio S. Amon-Wilkins
Phone: (808) 961-2251
Report No.: 23-041759
Media Release
Hawai‘i Island police detectives are continuing the homicide investigation following a domestic-related incident in Puna on Friday afternoon, April 28, 2023, that left a 58-year-old woman dead. The victim has been positively identified as Teri Lynn Apple.
An autopsy was completed on Tuesday morning, May 2, 2023, and the forensic pathologist ruled that Apple died as a result of multiple chop wounds and sharp-forced injuries, and ruled the manner of death was homicide.
The suspect, 52-year-old Christopher Roy Howlind, remains hospitalized in stable condition. Due to Howlind’s current medical status, he has not yet been charged.
Police ask anyone who may have information related to this incident to contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311, or Detective Clarence Davies of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, at (808) 961-2382 or email him at [email protected].
Address/Location
Hawaii Police Department
349 Kapiolani St
Hilo, HI 96720
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 808-935-3311