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Authorities have formally charged Jacob Baker, 36, of Pahoa, Hawaii, with multiple crimes including murder in connection with the deaths of three elderly men on the Big Island. Baker faces one count of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder, as well as several charges related to burglary, property damage, theft, and unauthorized vehicle entry, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
Baker is currently held without bond following his arrest on Thursday, which concluded a manhunt involving both state and federal law enforcement. Police had described him as “armed and extremely dangerous” during the search.
The three victims-Robert Shine, 69; John Carse, 69; and a 79-year-old man whose name has not been released-were found deceased at separate residences in the Pahoa area. Shine’s body was discovered partially submerged in a cement pond near the home of the 79-year-old victim, while Carse’s body was located approximately 19 miles away.
Baker was ultimately located in Kalapana, roughly 10 miles from Pahoa, after authorities reviewed surveillance footage showing a man resembling the suspect hiding in a vacant lot. Witnesses reported seeing the individual frequently ducking as cars passed by. Police found Baker hiding in a small cave on adjacent property.
At a recent news conference, Hawaii Police Chief Reed Mahuna did not provide details on how Baker was identified or any possible motives behind the killings. Investigators have also not established any known connections among the three victims, other than two of them living in close proximity.
The case remains under active investigation as authorities continue to gather information.