The Hawaii Police Department announced on Thursday that it is actively searching for Jacob Baker, a 36‑year‑old resident of Pahoa. Police describe Baker as “armed and extremely dangerous” and say he is a suspect in the murders of three men—two 69‑year‑olds and a 79‑year‑old—in the Puna region of the Big Island.
These are a tragic series of events and our thoughts are with those who are grieving at this time, Police Chief Reed Mahuna said in a news conference. “The Hawaii Police Department understands the fear and concerns incidents like this bring to our community.” He added that bringing Baker into custody is the department’s top priority, though he declined to reveal how law‑enforcement officials determined the man was the culprit.
The first homicide occurred Monday night. Pahoa residents found a 69‑year‑old man in a partially submerged residence near a cement pond at about 8 p.m. A police investigation later confirmed it was a homicide. The second killing was reported Tuesday, when authorities discovered a 79‑year‑old man with blunt‑force injuries around 12:30 p.m. at a location roughly 400 to 500 feet from the first scene.
Later that day, at approximately 10 p.m., police responded to a welfare check 19 miles north of the earlier scenes. Officers found a 69‑year‑old man dead with similar injuries. Police have confirmed all three deaths were intentional and believe Baker is connected to all incidents.
Officials are asking residents and anyone who may have information about Baker or suspicious activity near the crime scenes to contact the Puna Police Department. Despite the urgency of the investigation, the chief cautioned the public not to approach the suspect for safety reasons.
Mahuna stated Baker is known to the police but did not elaborate further. “We are deploying significant resources and personnel,” he said, hinting at a manhunt that could involve airport screening, boat checks, and drone sweeps of the rural areas.
The killings have rattled the relatively close‑knit Puna community, where residents often rely on each other to maintain peace along the volcanic terrain. Police officials have urged calm and cooperation, noting that early involvement, such as reporting faint footprints or unfamiliar vehicles, could be pivotal.
As the search continues, the nation’s attention has turned to the safety of Puna residents and the broader question of how isolated communities deal with sudden violence. The Hawaii Police Department is coordinating with state and federal agencies, and the Hawaii State Attorney General’s office will converge on future steps in the investigation.
Watch for updates on the Sheriff’s status and any newly filed charges. The community is encouraged to keep their door belts on, avoid confronting the suspect, and help law‑makers address the underlying social tensions that may have contributed to these tragic events.
These are a tragic series of events and our thoughts are with those who are grieving at this time, Police Chief Reed Mahuna said in a news conference. “The Hawaii Police Department understands the fear and concerns incidents like this bring to our community.” He added that bringing Baker into custody is the department’s top priority, though he declined to reveal how law‑enforcement officials determined the man was the culprit.
The first homicide occurred Monday night. Pahoa residents found a 69‑year‑old man in a partially submerged residence near a cement pond at about 8 p.m. A police investigation later confirmed it was a homicide. The second killing was reported Tuesday, when authorities discovered a 79‑year‑old man with blunt‑force injuries around 12:30 p.m. at a location roughly 400 to 500 feet from the first scene.
Later that day, at approximately 10 p.m., police responded to a welfare check 19 miles north of the earlier scenes. Officers found a 69‑year‑old man dead with similar injuries. Police have confirmed all three deaths were intentional and believe Baker is connected to all incidents.
Officials are asking residents and anyone who may have information about Baker or suspicious activity near the crime scenes to contact the Puna Police Department. Despite the urgency of the investigation, the chief cautioned the public not to approach the suspect for safety reasons.
Mahuna stated Baker is known to the police but did not elaborate further. “We are deploying significant resources and personnel,” he said, hinting at a manhunt that could involve airport screening, boat checks, and drone sweeps of the rural areas.
The killings have rattled the relatively close‑knit Puna community, where residents often rely on each other to maintain peace along the volcanic terrain. Police officials have urged calm and cooperation, noting that early involvement, such as reporting faint footprints or unfamiliar vehicles, could be pivotal.
As the search continues, the nation’s attention has turned to the safety of Puna residents and the broader question of how isolated communities deal with sudden violence. The Hawaii Police Department is coordinating with state and federal agencies, and the Hawaii State Attorney General’s office will converge on future steps in the investigation.
Watch for updates on the Sheriff’s status and any newly filed charges. The community is encouraged to keep their door belts on, avoid confronting the suspect, and help law‑makers address the underlying social tensions that may have contributed to these tragic events.
