Police investigate death of Waianae woman, 46

Police have opened a homicide investigation after a 46-year-old woman was found unconscious at a Leeward beach and later died.

Muriel DeMello, 46, of Waianae was found unconscious near the restroom at Maili Beach Park at about 1:40 Thursday morning.

Police said a man collecting cans found her unresponsive and called emergency officials.

DeMello was taken to the Queen's Medical Center, where efforts to revive her were unsuccessful, and she was declared dead several hours later.

According to the city Medical Examiner's Office, DeMello died of an "intracranial hemorrhage due to blunt force injury to the head."

Police said they believe DeMello was staying in a tent on a temporary basis at the beach, and have not yet identified a suspect in the case. No further information was available on the case as of press time.

DeMello is the fourth person killed in the Leeward area this year.

In March, 28-year-old Jason Sylva was shot in a gunfight when he and another man allegedly forced themselves into a Waianae home, where the battle ensued. The resident, 55-year-old Keith Kuraoka, has claimed self-defense and has not been charged in the killing.

In April, Domingo "Junior" Correa, 69, was beaten to death in the restroom of the Waianae Burger King. Gary Avilez was indicted on a count of second-degree murder in connection with the case.

Also in April, North Carolina man Christopher Reuther, 24, died after he was punched at Zablan Beach Park. Less Schnabel Jr. was charged with manslaughter in connection with the death.