Suspect Arrested in Killings of Three Men on Hawaii’s Big Island

Authorities arrested Jacob Daniel Baker, 36, on Thursday in connection with the killings of three men on Hawaii’s Big Island following a days-long manhunt. Baker was apprehended after a tip led police to a grassy area where he was seen ducking down as traffic passed. He fled and was later found hiding in a small cave, according to Hawaii Police Chief Reed K. Mahuna.

Baker faces charges including second-degree murder, first-degree burglary, and other offenses related to theft and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Police described him as “armed and extremely dangerous” prior to his arrest, though no weapons were found on him at the time of capture.

The three victims, all men aged 69 or older, were found dead earlier this week in the Puna District, a largely rural area on the island’s east coast. Two of the victims have been identified as Robert Shine and John Carse, both 69. The third victim, a 79-year-old man, has not been publicly named pending next-of-kin notification.

Autopsies revealed that Shine was strangled, Carse died from sharp force trauma, and the third man suffered blunt force injuries. The first body, Shine’s, was discovered Monday night partially submerged in a man-made cement pond. The second victim was found Tuesday afternoon just a few hundred feet from Shine’s residence, and Carse’s body was located about 19 miles away later that evening during a welfare check.

Police have not disclosed what evidence led them to identify Baker as a suspect but expressed confidence that he was involved in all three homicides. Chief Mahuna said investigators had not found any connections among the victims aside from the proximity of two of them, who lived 400 to 500 feet apart.

The killings occurred shortly after two women sought temporary restraining orders against Baker, alleging he had threatened and harassed them at a farm property. Both requests were denied by a judge due to insufficient proof. One woman claimed Baker threatened to kill several women staying on the property, while the other alleged he threatened women and a disabled man, trespassed, and intended to squat on the land.

Locals described Baker as having lived on a property in Puna where he climbed coconut trees and had a falling out with the property co-owner, who sought a restraining order against him. Neighbors reported that Baker left the property in disarray and had recently returned claiming “squatter’s rights” while making threats.

The arrest brought relief to residents of Puna, who had been on edge amid the manhunt. “Everyone’s been really scared,” said resident Priya Surrago, noting that many in the community live close together without locks on their doors. Another resident, Aumrae McCarroll, said seeing Baker taken into custody brought a sense of relief.

Police thanked the citizen who provided the tip that led to Baker’s capture, emphasizing the role of community cooperation in resolving the case safely. As of Thursday evening, court records did not show a murder case filed against Baker, and it was unclear if he had legal representation.