COURTESY PHOTO
Gilberto D. Escobar
A 25-year-old Hawaii island man has been indicted by a grand jury in connection with a 2025 homicide in Hilo.
The indictment charges Gilberto D. Escobar of Hilo with second-degree murder, plus three firearms and ammunition offenses, according to a news release from the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.
Hawaii island police said shortly after 5 a.m. on Feb. 19, 2025, officers responded to a report of a gunshot on Maunakai Street in Hilo. Upon arrival, officers found a dead man — later determined to be 36-year-old Brandon Castillias — lying face down in front of a residence.
Castillias’ cause of death was a single gunshot wound to his abdomen.
Escobar appeared in Hilo Circuit Court Friday for a return on the indictment warrant and arraignment.
The court maintained his bail at $3 million and scheduled a hearing on Aug. 12 to assign defense counsel. Second-degree murder carries a penalty of life in prison with the possibility of parole.
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