Hawaii Police Arrest Suspect in Three Killings on Big Island

Hawaii police arrested a 36-year-old man Thursday after an extensive search across the Big Island for a suspect wanted in three killings. The man, identified in police records as Jacob Baker of Pahoa, faces charges including murder and burglary. Officers described him as armed and extremely dangerous before the arrest.

Police received a tip Thursday afternoon that the suspect was hiding in a grassy area near a road. Officers found him inside a small cave and took him into custody without further incident. The search involved state and federal resources and left many residents uneasy in the remote Puna district.

The first victim, identified as Robert Shine, was found Monday night partially submerged in a cement pond at a residence. Autopsy results showed he had been strangled. On Tuesday afternoon, a 79-year-old man was discovered nearby with blunt-force injuries. Later that evening, about 19 miles away, police found John Carse dead from sharp-force trauma.

The killings occurred days after two women sought temporary restraining orders against Baker, alleging threats and harassment at a farm property. A judge denied both requests for lack of sufficient evidence. Police said they have not established a motive and have not identified connections among the victims beyond two living near each other.