HILO, HAWAI'I ISLAND (KHON) - Nearly 24 years ago, a young life was tragically cut short on a quiet road on the Big Island.
On January 31, 2001, the lifeless body of 19-year-old Kallen Agliam was discovered near his gold Jeep Cherokee on Overpass Road in Pepe'ekeo.
He had been shot to death, and despite years of investigation, his killer remains unidentified.
Hawaii Island Police Detective Derek Morimoto, who now oversees the cold case, says the isolated location of the crime scene has made the investigation challenging. The area is sparsely populated.
"These roads are old roads that used to be main roads before the old Overpass Road actually goes over the main highway, Route 19. But it's not used anymore for public transportation," said Morimoto.
Over the years, detectives have uncovered some leads. A theory emerged suggesting Kallen might have been involved in narcotics trafficking, a possible motive for his murder.
However, as the years passed, witnesses moved away, and some potential sources of information have died.
"The problem is that as time passes, people who might have had information are no longer around," Morimoto explained. "We're hoping that those who might not have been willing to talk before will come forward now."
Kallen's family and friends still cling to the hope that answers will come.
Captain Rio Amon-Wilkins of the Hawaii Police Department emphasized the importance of solving the case.
"Chances are, many of these offenders have reoffended in one way or another. It is important for the community to recognize that these cases that are unsolved? The perpetrators are still out there, living in the community."
Anyone with information about the murder of Kallen Agliam is encouraged to contact the Hawaii Police Department.
