Authorities in Hawaii have charged Jacob Daniel Baker, 36, with murder in connection with the deaths of three people in a remote community known for its communal lifestyle. According to a news release by the Hawaii Police Department, Baker faces charges of first- and second-degree murder as of Saturday. Held without bond, Baker remained in jail on Sunday with a first court appearance slated for Monday.
The charges followed Baker’s arrest after a manhunt on Hawaii’s Big Island, where the victims were discovered in the Puna community, an area celebrated for its tropical environment and free-spirited populace. The investigation revealed Robert Shine, 69, was discovered deceased on Monday, partially submerged in a cement pond. The second victim, 79-year-old Chitta Morse, was located Tuesday, a few hundred feet away. The third victim, John Carse, 69, was found late Tuesday about 19 miles from the other bodies.
Police have not identified a motive for these murders. Hawaii Police Chief Reed Mahuna noted that investigators found no connections among the victims except that two lived nearby each other. Besides the murder charges, Baker faces charges including burglary, auto theft, and criminal property damage.
The Puna community, nestled in lush jungle and barren lava fields, was left uneasy following the killings. Residents prefer an off-grid lifestyle, often exchanging work for lodging. Stephen Shaffer, a Puna resident, mentioned that Baker had worked for his ex-wife for room and board. She reportedly sought a restraining order against Baker due to feeling threatened.
Donald Hyatt, a friend of Shaffer’s ex-wife and the deceased, reported that Baker had vacated a cabin months ago but returned, asserting ‘squatter’s rights’ and issuing threats. Court records indicated that Baker faced temporary restraining orders from two women who accused him of threats and harassment. However, a judge denied these applications for lack of evidence.
Baker had been named in 20 other cases over the past 20 years, mostly involving traffic issues. In most instances, he represented himself without legal counsel.