Lynn Ebisuzaki

In the close-knit community of Hilo, Hawaii, Lynn Ebisuzaki was known for her kind and engaging spirit. At 26 years old, the female computer operator and junior accountant at Miko Meats was deeply involved in her community, particularly at Kinoʻole Baptist Church. She served as a dedicated Sunday school teacher and worked as an enrichment aide with elementary students in the church's after-school program. Those who knew her remembered a caring, friendly person who was never seen angry. Her parents, Yasuji and Asako Ebisuzaki, were well-respected leaders in the church and owned a local fishing store, embedding the family in the heart of the Hilo community.

The evening of Friday, May 1, 1987, began like any other. Lynn was visiting her boyfriend at his home in the 500 block of Kanoelehua Avenue, near the Hilo airport. Around 9:15 p.m., she excused herself to take a shower. When a significant amount of time passed and she did not return, concern grew. By 10:00 p.m., she was reported missing to the police. A search of the area began, and soon, a devastating discovery was made. In the bushes of an adjoining vacant lot, just a few hundred feet from the residence, officers found Lynn’s body. She had been bound and gagged, but was fully clothed. An autopsy later confirmed she died from a single stab wound, and her death was officially ruled a homicide.

The Hawaiʻi Police Department immediately launched an investigation into the brutal killing. Detectives learned that sometime before her death, witnesses had seen Lynn arguing with an unknown man in the parking lot of the Kinoʻole Baptist Church on Kinoʻole Street. With the help of a graphic artist from the Honolulu Police Department, investigators created and released a composite sketch of this individual, hoping someone in the community could identify him. Days after the murder, police also released sketches of another possible suspect seen nearby. This man was described as being in his early 20s, with a dark complexion and neck-length curly black hair. Witnesses noted he was wearing dark clothing, holding a can of Budweiser beer, and was bleeding from his left hand.

Over the years, the investigation continued, but no arrests were made. Lynn's boyfriend was questioned by police, but there was not enough evidence to lead to any charges; he has since passed away. The case fell to the Unsolved Homicides Unit, where detectives have continued to review the evidence. Captain Rio Amon-Wilkins noted that a great deal of forensic testing has been performed on evidence from the case, but acknowledged the challenges presented by the forensic standards of 1987, an era before DNA was a common tool in criminal investigations. Despite these hurdles, he confirmed that cold case detectives continue to re-examine the file and follow up on any potential leads.

The murder left a deep and lasting wound on Lynn's family and the Hilo community. Her parents were burdened by the unanswered questions surrounding their daughter's death. Gail Inamine, a retired minister of education at their church, recalled the profound sadness that enveloped them. Lynn's mother, who taught preschool at the church, rarely spoke of the murder itself but often expressed the family's struggle to move on while the investigation stalled. Yasuji Ebisuzaki passed away in 1996, and his wife Asako followed in 2004, never seeing justice for their daughter.

Decades later, Lynn Ebisuzaki is not forgotten. The Hawaiʻi Island police remain committed to solving her murder. In January 2026, authorities renewed their request for public assistance, re-releasing the composite sketch of the man seen arguing with Lynn. They stressed that this person is not necessarily a suspect, but someone they need to identify and speak with as part of the ongoing investigation. Detective Sybastian Keltner of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section is the current point of contact for the case.

The case remains open and active. Police are hopeful that with the passage of time, someone with information may now be willing to come forward. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for anonymous information that leads to an arrest. Anyone who may be able to identify the man in the sketch or has any information about the murder of Lynn Ebisuzaki is urged to contact Detective Keltner at (808) 961-2326 or email [email protected]. To remain anonymous, callers can contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.