Man Charged With Homicide in Killings of three on Hawaii’s Big Island

HONOLULU (AP) — Authorities in Hawaii have charged a 36-year-old man with homicide within the killings of three people in a distant group recognized for its eclectic, communal life-style.

Jacob Daniel Baker was charged with counts of first- and second-degree homicide Saturday, the Hawaii Police Department stated in a information launch.

Baker remained jailed with out bond Sunday and police stated his first court docket look was scheduled for Monday. It was not instantly recognized if Baker had an lawyer who might communicate for him.

Charges within the killings got here two days after police apprehended Baker following a manhunt on Hawaii’s Big Island, the place the three victims had been discovered within the rural Puna group recognized for its tropical panorama and free-spirited residents.

Robert Shine, 69, was discovered lifeless Monday partially submerged in a cement pond, based on police. The second sufferer, a 79-year-old man, was found Tuesday a couple of hundred toes away. Friends recognized him as Chitta Morse.

Police discovered the third sufferer, 69-year-old John Carse, late Tuesday at a property 19 miles (31 kilometers) from the place the opposite two our bodies had been situated.

Police haven’t given a suspected motive for the killings. Hawaii Police Chief Reed Mahuna has stated investigators discovered no connections among the many victims apart from that two of them lived close to one another.

In addition to the homicide expenses, Baker additionally faces counts of housebreaking, auto theft and prison injury to property.

The killings left residents on edge in Puna, a group set amid lush jungle and barren lava fields the place folks in search of to dwell off-grid generally commerce work for lodging.

Puna resident Stephen Shaffer stated that Baker had labored for his ex-wife, climbing coconut bushes on land the place she grows fruit, in change for a spot to dwell. After a number of months, Shaffer stated, his ex-wife sought a restraining order towards Baker, saying she felt threatened by him.

Donald Hyatt, a buddy of Shaffer’s ex-wife and of two of the boys killed, stated Baker left the cabin the place he had been residing months in the past. Hyatt stated that Baker not too long ago returned claiming “squatter’s rights” and threatened Shaffer’s ex.

Just days earlier than the killings, two ladies had requested non permanent restraining orders towards Baker, saying he had threatened and harassed them, based on court docket information. A choose denied each functions, saying there was not sufficient proof of harassment.

Court information confirmed Baker named in 20 different circumstances previously twenty years, a lot of them site visitors infractions. In most of these circumstances, Baker had no lawyer and represented himself.

Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This materials will not be printed, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.