The Honolulu Police Department has classified the death of 39-year-old Brian Aquino, a Hawaii Island resident, as an unattended death. However, his family is raising concerns and calling for further investigation.
Aquino had a troubled history on Oahu, including periods of homelessness, a burglary conviction, and a prison escape. According to his family, he made efforts to rebuild his life over the past year by relocating to the Big Island to be with his wife and two adult children.
While visiting Oahu on April 7, Aquino was found deceased on Kilihau Street in Mapunapuna. His body was discovered in a wheelchair on a sidewalk and covered with a tarp. His family found the circumstances suspicious, as Aquino did not use a wheelchair and was reportedly visiting a friend at the time.
Family members stated they had communicated with him just hours before his death. They also observed signs of possible physical trauma on his body, including bruises, black eyes, lacerations, and a burn mark. Further concerns were raised when the mortuary reported additional injuries not visible to the family.
Despite these findings, HPD has maintained the classification of an unattended death, citing no immediate evidence of foul play. The department indicated that the final determination could change pending the results of an autopsy.
Aquino’s family remains convinced that the final hours of his life involved significant suffering and are urging authorities to take a closer look at the circumstances surrounding his death.
