PĀHOA, HI – A tense three-day manhunt on Hawaii’s Big Island concluded Thursday after police captured an “armed and extremely dangerous” suspect hiding inside a small cave.
The Arrest in Pāhoa
The Hawaii Police Department arrested 36-year-old Jacob Daniel Baker without incident. Authorities spotted Baker ducking down in a grassy field near passing traffic before he concealed himself in a nearby cave.
Police Chief Reed Mahuna credited a vigilant local citizen for reporting the suspicious behavior, which directly led to the safe conclusion of the manhunt. Baker now faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder, burglary, and theft.
Timeline of the Three Killings
Law enforcement officials believe the victims were killed over a two-day span using different methods, though no firearms were involved:
- Monday Evening: 69-year-old Robert Shine was found partially submerged in a cement pond off Railroad Avenue in Pāhoa. An autopsy later confirmed he died from strangulation.
- Tuesday Afternoon: A 79-year-old man was discovered dead from blunt force trauma at a home on Papaya Farms Road, just 500 feet from Shine’s residence.
- Tuesday Night: 69-year-old John Carse was found dead from sharp force trauma during a welfare check at a property on Kalapana Kapoho Beach Road, roughly 19 miles away.
Missed Warning Signs
The community has been left reeling following revelations that two local women had attempted to file temporary restraining orders (TROs) against Baker just days before the homicides.
One petition, filed by the owner of Josanna’s Organic Garden on Papaya Farms Road, alleged that Baker had threatened her life and the lives of others on the property, forcing residents to flee. However, local court documents show a judge denied the restraining orders on Tuesday—the same day two of the victims were uncovered—citing “insufficient evidence.”
The Hawaii Police Department stated they were never notified about the TRO applications and are currently investigating the timeline.
Community in Shock
While police have not yet established a clear motive or connection between all three victims, Chief Mahuna expressed absolute confidence that Baker is responsible for all three homicides.
Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda released a statement noting that the tragic events have “deeply impacted” the tight-knit community, and that Thursday’s arrest is a vital step toward justice.
