Authorities in Hawaii have charged a 36-year-old man, Jacob Daniel Baker, with murder in connection with the deaths of three individuals in a remote community known for its unique and communal lifestyle. The Hawaii Police Department announced the charges on Saturday, which include counts of first- and second-degree murder. Baker remains in jail without bond, with his first court appearance scheduled for Monday. It is unclear if Baker has legal representation at this time.
The apprehension of Baker occurred two days prior to the charges, following a manhunt in the rural Puna community on Hawaii's Big Island, where the bodies of the victims were discovered. Police identified the first victim as Robert Shine, 69, who was found partially submerged in a cement pond on Monday. The second victim, identified by friends as 79-year-old Chitta Morse, was located a few hundred feet away on Tuesday. The third victim, John Carse, 69, was found late Tuesday at a property located 19 miles away from the sites of the other two fatalities.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the killings. According to Hawaii Police Chief Reed Mahuna, investigators found no apparent connections among the victims, apart from the fact that two of them lived near each other. In addition to the murder charges, Baker faces several other charges, including burglary, auto theft, and criminal damage to property.
The series of killings has created unease among residents of Puna, a community characterized by its lush landscapes and off-grid living, where residents often trade labor for accommodation. Puna resident Stephen Shaffer reported that Baker had worked for his ex-wife, performing tasks such as climbing coconut trees on her property in exchange for housing. However, after several months, Baker reportedly made his ex-wife feel threatened, prompting her to seek a restraining order against him.
Additionally, Donald Hyatt, a friend of Shaffer's ex-wife and of two of the deceased men, mentioned that Baker had left the cabin where he was residing months prior but returned recently, claiming "squatter's rights" and allegedly threatening Shaffer's ex-wife. Just days before the murders, two women had filed for temporary restraining orders against Baker, citing threats and harassment. However, these requests were denied by a judge who deemed there was insufficient evidence of harassment.
Court records reveal that Baker had been named in 20 separate cases over the past two decades, primarily involving traffic infractions. In most instances, Baker represented himself without the assistance of an attorney. The recent string of violent incidents in Puna underscores the fragility of community safety in this off-the-beaten-path enclave, raising concerns among the residents about their security and the surrounding environment.
