Hawaii Island police arrested a triple homicide suspect on Thursday afternoon after a multi-day manhunt ended in the Kaimu Cove area of Pahoa.
Officers captured Jacob Daniel Baker without incident after community members spotted him hiding in a grassy field.
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Baker faces charges including second-degree murder, first-degree burglary, first-degree unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, first-degree theft, fourth-degree criminal property damage, fourth-degree theft, and first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle.
Manhunt and Arrest
Police received information that the suspect was hiding in a grassy area. Witnesses reported seeing him duck down as traffic approached.
Video surveillance captured Baker fleeing from property to property before detectives located him inside a small cave.
Hawaii Police Chief Reed Mahuna described the operation as "all hands on deck." Hawaii Island Mayor Kimo Alameda thanked residents and law enforcement for their collaborative response.
Mahuna stated that officers worked long hours under intense pressure across challenging terrain alongside local, state, and federal agencies.
Community Reaction
Residents expressed relief after the arrest. Puna resident Priya Surrago said the community had been scared and often leaves doors unlocked.
She recalled a previous encounter with Baker selling coconuts near the highway, describing him as having "a creepy vibe."
Resident Aumrae McCarroll witnessed the arrest and said the manhunt was too close for comfort. He noted that his mother was friends with two of the victims.
Another resident, Ariyah Barron, also witnessed the arrest and said Baker was known to the community.
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She had seen him angry and verbally abusive, and expressed concern for local elders living alone.
McCarroll added, "It feels good to know that he's off the streets and that we can all just — we're safe."
Victims Identified
Authorities identified two victims on Thursday.
Robert Shine, 69, was found dead Monday night on Papaya Farms Road in Pahoa; autopsy results indicated strangulation.
A second victim, Chitta Morse, 79, was discovered Tuesday afternoon about 400 feet from Shine.
The third victim, John Carse, 69, was found Tuesday night on Kalapana Kapoho Beach Road and died of sharp force trauma.
The third homicide occurred 19 miles from the initial crime scene.
Before the killings, Baker posted erratic videos on social media and faced two temporary restraining order petitions from women alleging threats at a farm property.
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Police ask anyone with information to contact Detective Duane Rapoza at (808) 961-2383 or Detective Daniel Tam at (808) 961-2380.
