Hawaii Man Charged in Triple Murder
Authorities in Hawaii have charged 36-year-old Jacob Daniel Baker with murder after three people were killed in a remote community known for its eclectic lifestyle. The Hawaii Police Department announced the charges of both first- and second-degree murder on Saturday.
Baker is currently held without bond, and his initial court appearance is set for Monday. It is unclear if Baker has legal representation to speak on his behalf.
Police captured Baker two days after a manhunt on Hawaii’s Big Island. The victims were discovered in Puna, a rural area recognized for its tropical environment and free-spirited residents. The killings have unsettled many living there.
Robert Shine, 69, was found on Monday partially submerged in a cement pond. Police found the second victim, 79-year-old Chitta Morse, on Tuesday nearby. The body of the third victim, John Carse, 69, was located on a property 19 miles from the first two victims later that day.
Investigators have not identified a motive for the killings. Hawaii Police Chief Reed Mahuna stated that the only link between the victims is that two lived near each other.
Baker faces additional charges, including burglary, auto theft, and criminal property damage. These incidents have raised fear among the Puna community, where the scenic jungles and desolate lava fields invite people seeking an off-grid lifestyle.
Stephen Shaffer, a Puna local, reported that Baker previously worked for his ex-wife, climbing coconut trees in exchange for lodging. Shaffer noted that his ex-wife eventually sought a restraining order against Baker, fearing for her safety.
Donald Hyatt, a friend of Shaffer’s ex-wife and two of the victims, mentioned that Baker vacated the cabin he occupied months ago. He recently returned, asserting “squatter’s rights,” and issued threats to Shaffer’s ex-wife.
Court documents indicate that two women asked for temporary restraining orders against Baker just days before the killings due to threats and harassment. A judge denied these requests, citing insufficient evidence of harassment.
Baker has been linked to 20 other legal cases over the past two decades, mostly traffic violations. In many instances, he represented himself without legal counsel.