A man described as “armed and extremely dangerous” and suspected of killing three individuals on Hawaii’s Big Island has been apprehended, according to officials.
The Hawaiʻi Police Department announced on Thursday evening that Jacob Baker, a 36-year-old resident of Pahoa, Hawaii, was taken into custody without any trouble. He had been sought in connection with the deaths of three separate victims.
Baker’s arrest followed an intensive search operation that led authorities to caution the public about his potential danger. Hawaii Police Chief Reed Mahuna stated that a substantial number of resources and personnel were dedicated to tracking him down.
On Monday, police discovered the body of 69-year-old Robert Shine, partially submerged in a cement pond. A subsequent autopsy revealed that Shine had died from strangulation.
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Authorities are searching for Jacob Baker after three men were found dead across Hawaii’s Big Island within two days. (Hawaiʻi Police Department; iStock)
Authorities said a 79-year-old man was found dead Tuesday afternoon roughly 400 to 500 feet away from the first victim. His cause of death was not immediately released.
Police also believe Baker is connected to the death of another 69-year-old John Carse, whose body was discovered about 19 miles away Tuesday evening.
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Jacob Baker is wanted in connection with the deaths of three men on Hawaii’s Big Island, according to police. (Hawaiʻi Police Department)
An autopsy determined Carse died from sharp force trauma, though the final ruling remains pending toxicology results.
“These are a tragic series of events and our thoughts are with those who are grieving at this time,” Mahuna said during a Wednesday news conference. “The Hawaii Police Department understands the fear and concerns incidents like this bring to our community.”
Authorities did not explain how Baker was identified as a suspect or provide details about evidence linking him to the killings.
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Police said Jacob Baker is considered “armed and extremely dangerous” as authorities search for him in connection with three deaths on Hawaii’s Big Island. (HawaiÊ»i Police Department)
Investigators also have not released a possible motive or said whether the victims were connected.
The killings came days after two women sought temporary restraining orders against Baker, accusing him of threatening and harassing them at a farm.
A judge later denied both requests, ruling there was insufficient evidence of harassment.
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The coastline of southern Big Island in Hawaii on Oct. 25, 2019. (Giles Clarke/Getty Images)
One woman alleged in court filings that Baker threatened to kill several women staying on the property, causing some to leave.
Stephen Shaffer, a local resident, told The Associated Press that Baker had lived on his ex-wife’s property in Puna, where she grows dozens of fruit varieties and where Baker previously climbed coconut trees for her.
Shaffer said the two later had a falling out, prompting his ex-wife to seek a restraining order because she felt threatened by Baker.
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“He just seemed to me, kind of angry,” Shaffer told The AP.
Federal agencies that assisted in the search included the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, state sheriffs and Department of Land and Natural Resources officers.
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