Foul play suspected
in death of Kona man
Police have opened a murder investigation in the death of a 32-year-old Kona man, whose remains were found Friday amid kiawe brush near the North Kohala shoreline.
Police identified the man as Jonah Mettler of Honaunau, who had been missing seen late August.
An autopsy discovered several spent bullets in Mettler's body, but did not determine an exact cause of death.
Mettler was last seen leaving for work at the Natural Energy Lab in Keahole, North Kona.
Two fishermen found his body badly decomposed Friday about 200 feet from the shoreline south of Lapakahi State Historical Park.
Police are asking anyone with information about the case to call Detective Wayne Young of the West Hawaii Criminal Investigation Division at 326-4275 or the police non-emergency number at 935-3311.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.
