Kainoa C. E. Poepoe-Vigil

MEDIA RELEASE

 

Big Island detectives report they have charged a Hilo man with first-degree assault stemming from an investigation involving the man’s 4-month old infant boy, who sustained serious head trauma.

Police charged 18-year-old Kainoa C. E. Poepoe-Vigil, of Hilo early Friday afternoon, April 3. He is being held at the Hilo cellblock in lieu of $100,000 bail. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Monday afternoon in South Hilo District Court.

On Wednesday, April 1, fire/rescue personnel took the infant to Hilo Medical Center emergency room. The infant was unresponsive and suffering serious head injuries. He was subsequently transported to The Queens Medical Center on Oahu, where he is listed in critical condition.

The ensuing investigation indicated that the baby’s father was responsible for the injuries.

Hilo detectives are looking for any witnesses in this case. 

Police specifically want to speak with a man identified only as “Brian,” who may have witnessed this incident, which reportedly occurred in the parking lot of Prince Kuhio Plaza. Detectives are also looking for a man with a Playboy Bunny tattoo on his neck, who is also said to have spent some time with the suspect and the infant.

Police ask these witnesses or any other witnesses to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 or 329-8181.