A man from Hawaii, described as “armed and extremely dangerous” and suspected of killing three men on the Big Island over a span of two days, has been apprehended, according to local authorities.
The Hawaiʻi Police Department announced on Thursday evening that 36-year-old Jacob Baker, from Pahoa, Hawaii, was arrested without any trouble. Baker had been sought in connection with the deaths of three individuals.
The arrest followed an intense manhunt that led police to caution the public about Baker’s potential threat, labeling him “armed and extremely dangerous.” Hawaii Police Chief Reed Mahuna mentioned that substantial resources and personnel were dedicated to finding him.
The investigation began on Monday when police discovered the body of 69-year-old Robert Shine, partially submerged in a cement pond. An autopsy confirmed that Shine’s death was due to strangulation.
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The search for Jacob Baker was initiated after the bodies of three men were located across Hawaii’s Big Island within a short timeframe of 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. (Hawaiʻi 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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