MEDIA RELEASE

Police detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 2-year-old toddler identified as Iyanla Kuamo’o-Andrews.

On the evening of April 24 at about 8 p.m., fire/rescue personnel were summoned to a home in the Wainaku area of Hilo to a report of a young girl found unconscious by her parents. Medics were able to revive the child, who was transported to Hilo Medical Center and later flown to Oahu in critical condition.

Injuries found on the child appeared suspicious. Investigators found cause to believe at least one of the injuries noted was attributed to the actions of her father, who was taken into custody at that time for abuse of a family or household member. He is identified as 34-year-old Henry K. Kuamo’o of Hilo. Kuamo’o was released April 26 pending further investigation.

On the evening of April 29, the child died at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children. An autopsy indicated she died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head.

Honolulu Police Department opened an investigation, as the child died in their jurisdiction, and have classified the case as an unattended death. They are assisting detectives assigned to the Hawaii Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Section.

Police ask anyone with information about this investigation call Lt. Mitchell Kanehailua at 961-2252. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 or 329-8181 in Kona.