The Hawaii Police Department is investigating a missing person case as a possible murder-suicide. Around 4 p.m. on May 23, 2024, Area I Criminal Investigation Division personnel carried out a search warrant at a residence in the 15-2000 block of 15th Avenue in Kea’au in connection to the missing person investigation of 38-year-old Ashley Michelle Kuregian.
Kuregian’s boyfriend, Matthew Adrian Poole, reported her missing on May 21, 2024. Police say Kuregian had not been seen for approximately a week. At the scene, police made numerous announcements identifying themselves and that they were going to execute a search warrant.
A loud pop resembling a gunshot was heard from inside the residence. Police established a perimeter and checked nearby residences to ensure the occupants’ safety. The Special Response Team and the Crisis Negotiation Team responded believing there could be a barricaded suspect.
After making entry into the residence, the body of a deceased male was found. Police say the man suffered an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. A firearm was recovered. The deceased man has been identified as 38-year-old Matthew Adrian Poole. An autopsy confirmed he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
While searching the evidence, police say they found information that resulted in a search for Kuregian’s body in the Orchidland Estates Subdivision. Around 7 p.m. on May 23, Area I Criminal Investigation Division personnel found a body in the advanced stages of decomposition.
The remains were found on a vacant, undeveloped property in the 16-200 block of 36th Avenue. The remains were recovered around 9:40 a.m. on Friday, May 25. Authorities say Kureigan died as a result of a single gunshot wound to the head and her manner of death was ruled as a homicide.
The remains were confirmed to be those of Ashley Michelle Kuregian. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Amy Omaya at 808-961-2381 or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
Jay Skelton is an independent crime journalist with a passion for covering the uncovered and the under covered.