Homicide Investigation Launched into Death of Hilo Infant

Hawaii Island police have opened a homicide investigation into the death of a 19-month-old girl from Hilo.

File photo by Wendy Osher.

The unresponsive infant was taken to Hilo Medical Center on January 2, 2011. The infant was transferred to The Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu where she was listed in critical condition. She died a week later on Sunday, January 9.

The infant has since been identified as Pomaikai K. Ferreira. A preliminary examination indicated that injuries appeared suspicious in nature.

Police had arrested Xavier Cortez, 36, of Hilo on suspicion of first-degree assault, but released the man pending further investigation.

Preliminary pathological reports indicate Ferreira died as a result of an inter-cranial injury due to repetitive abusive head trauma.

Detectives are awaiting complete autopsy results from the Medical Examiner’s Office on Oahu.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Hilo police. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo.

(Posted by Wendy Osher)