Prosecutors seek to deny bail for Hilo man charged with attempted murder

Gilberto Escobar faces multiple felony charges after alleged violent home invasion incident

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:24am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a kitchen knife against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the weapon used in this alleged violent crime.A stark, gritty image of a kitchen knife, the primary weapon used in this alleged violent home invasion, highlights the serious nature of the charges against the suspect.Hilo Today

Prosecutors have filed a motion to detain 25-year-old Gilberto Escobar of Hilo without bail following his arrest and charge for an April 3 incident at a Maile Street apartment, where he allegedly entered without permission, assaulted a 25-year-old male, threatened him with a knife, and shoved a 62-year-old female to the ground.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about violent crime and home invasions in the Hilo area, as well as the challenges prosecutors face in keeping repeat offenders off the streets when bail is set at high levels.

The details

According to police, Escobar entered the Maile Street apartment without permission, punched a 25-year-old male in the mouth, placed him in a rear-naked choke, threatened and attempted to stab him with a kitchen knife, and chased him into the parking lot before bystanders intervened. Before leaving, Escobar also forcefully shoved a 62-year-old female to the ground.

  • On April 3, the alleged incident occurred at a Maile Street apartment in Hilo.
  • Escobar was located and arrested by officers at a Waikoloa residence on April 7.
  • On April 9, Escobar made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court, where the Court maintained his bail at $1,060,000.

The players

Gilberto Escobar

A 25-year-old Hilo resident who has been charged with attempted murder, burglary, terroristic threatening, and assault.

Kirsten Selvig

The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney handling the case against Escobar.

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What they’re saying

“As the Complaint alleges, Escobar is charged with Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Burglary in the First Degree (burglary of a dwelling), Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree (with the use of a dangerous instrument, a knife), and Assault in the Second Degree (cause bodily injury to another person, who is 60 years of age of older).”

— Kirsten Selvig, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

What’s next

The judge will decide on whether to grant the prosecutors' motion to deny bail for Escobar at an upcoming hearing.

The takeaway

This violent home invasion case underscores the ongoing public safety concerns in Hilo, as well as the challenges the criminal justice system faces in balancing public protection and defendants' rights when it comes to bail decisions for serious violent offenders.