Hawai’i Island police have opened up an assault investigation and coroner’s inquest following an assault that lead to the subsequent death of 60-year old Abel Abrojina of Ocean View.

On April 14, Kau Patrol officers were dispatched to a Hawaiian Ocean View Estate Subdivision property for a report of an unknown disturbance.  After receiving the initial call, a second call was received from the same area regarding an unresponsive male possibly suffering from a medical condition.

Upon officer’s arrival, Abrojina’s girlfriend, a 53-year old woman of Ocean View, reported that she was assaulted by her neighbor, identified as 50-year old Melissa Swinson, also of Ocean View.  The victim, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries, reported that while being assaulted, Abrojina came to her assistance while carrying a machete.

The victim then reported that 51-year old Todd Swinson of Ocean View, who had accompanied his wife Melissa to the victim’s property, was able to take the machete away from Abrojina.  Todd Swinson then began to strike Abrojina with the machete, causing him to fall to the ground.  Abrojina was able to retreat back to a residence on the property and then collapsed.

Hawai’i County Fire Department personnel responded and determined that Abrojina had no signs of life.  He was transported to Hilo Medical Center where he pronounced dead.

Todd Swinson was subsequently arrested on suspicion of assault in the first degree and terroristic threatening in the first degree.  Melissa Swinson was arrested for suspicion of assault in the third degree.

Both Swinson’s were transported to the Kona Police Station’s cellblock while Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigation Section continued the investigation.  It was then determined that as a result of the altercation, both Swinson’s sustained minor injuries.

After conferring with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, both Swinson’s were released pending further investigation.

During an autopsy the forensic pathologist ruled that Abrojina had no serious injuries as a result of the assault.  The cause and manner of the death is pending standard toxicology testing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or who may have witnessed it is encouraged to contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 960-3118; or via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov.