Man Arrested After Reporting He Had Been Attacked and Shot Another Man in Hawaii
HAWAII ISLAND, HAWAII — September 21, 2026

A 49-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder after he called police and reported that he had been attacked and had shot another man in a Hawaiian Paradise Park neighborhood.

Police identified the suspect as Bryant Scott Guevarra of Keaʻau and the victim as 41-year-old Jose Adame Romero, also of Keaʻau.

Police Respond to Shooting
Hawaiʻi Island police received the call at approximately 10:18 p.m. on September 19, reporting an incident on Makuʻu Drive in Keaʻau.

When officers arrived, they found Romero unresponsive with multiple apparent gunshot wounds. Officers began lifesaving measures before Hawaiʻi Fire Department personnel arrived and determined that Romero had died.

He was pronounced dead at 10:44 p.m., according to police.

Suspect Arrested at Scene
Investigators identified the caller as Guevarra, who was still at the scene when officers arrived.

Guevarra was taken into custody Saturday night on suspicion of second-degree murder and transported to the East Hawaiʻi Detention Facility.

Police have not announced whether formal charges have been filed beyond the initial arrest allegation.

Circumstances Remain Under Investigation
Police said Guevarra reported that he had been attacked before the shooting. Authorities have not publicly provided further details about the alleged confrontation or explained what led to the gunfire.

An autopsy will be scheduled to determine the exact cause and manner of Romero’s death.

Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Police Seek Information
Investigators are asking anyone who may have information about the incident to contact Detective Michael Matsumura of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers, with police saying eligible information may qualify for a reward of up to $1,000.

Guevarra is accused of the offense and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Sources
Hawaiʻi Police Department — Official arrest announcement Hawaiʻi Police Department
Hawaii News Now — Fatal shooting investigation Hawaii News Now
Big Island Now — Arrest after fatal shooting Big Island Now