Full Notification

Hawai’i Police Department
Area II Criminal Investigation Section
Detective Donovan Kohara
Phone: (808) 960-3118
Report No.: 24-034849

Media Release

Hawai’i Island police have opened up a coroner’s inquest and assault investigation following an assault and the subsequent death of 60-year old Abel Abrojina of Ocean View that occurred in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estate Subdivision on Sunday, April 14, 2024.

On April 14, 2024 at approximately 6:30 p.m., Kau Patrol officers were dispatched to a property located on the 92-8300 block of Koa Lane for a report of an unknown type disturbance.  After receiving the initial call, a second call was received from the same area regarding an unresponsive male possibly suffering from a medical condition.

Upon officer’s arrival, Abrojina’s girlfriend, a 53-year old woman of Ocean View, reported that she was assaulted by her neighbor, identified as 50-year old Melissa Swinson, also of Ocean View.  The victim, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries, reported that while being assaulted, Abrojina came to her assistance while carrying a machete. 

The victim then reported that 51-year old Todd Swinson of Ocean View, who had accompanied his wife Melissa to the victim’s property, was able to take the machete away from Abrojina.  Todd Swinson then began to strike Abrojina with the machete, causing Abrojina to fall to the ground.  Abrojina was able to retreat back to a residence on the property and then collapsed. 

Hawai’i Fire Department personnel responded and determined that Abrojina had no signs of life.  Abrojina was transported to the Hilo Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead at 1:53 A.M. on Monday, April 15, 2024.

Todd Swinson was subsequently arrested on suspicion of assault in the first degree and terroristic threatening in the first degree.  Melissa Swinson was arrested for suspicion of assault in the third degree.

Both Swinson’s were transported to the Kona Police Station’s cellblock while Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigation Section continued the investigation.  It was then determined that as a result of the altercation, both Swinson’s sustained minor injuries. 

On Tuesday, April 16, 2024 after conferring with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, both Swinson’s were released pending further investigation.

On Thursday, April 18, 2024 an autopsy was performed and the forensic pathologist ruled that Abrojina had no serious injuries as a result of the assault.  The cause and manner of the death is pending standard toxicology testing. Anyone with information regarding this incident or who may have witnessed it is encouraged to contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 960-3118; or via email at [email protected].  They may also contact the Hawai’i Police Department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.