Editor’s note: This story has been updated at 4 p.m. on May 27, 2026.
The manhunt continues Wednesday afternoon for 36-year-old Jacob “Jake” Baker, who Hawai‘i Island police said is the only suspect in the homicides of three elderly men who were found dead over the past two days in separate homes in the Puna District.
The entire Hawaiʻi Island Police Department is looking everywhere on the Big Island for Baker, who is considered armed and extremely dangerous.
“I think we have to assume he could be anywhere on the island,” Assistant Chief Rio Amon-Wilkins said. “He is priority number one for the entire department.”
During a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Hawai‘i Police Capt. Jeremy Lewis outlined the timeline and scant details about the murder spree. He said the first victim, a 69-year-old man, was discovered at 7:59 p.m. Monday at a home off Railroad Avenue. He was partially submerged in a cement pond.
“At the initial stages of the investigation, detectives could not immediately determine whether foul play was involved, as there were no indications that the death may have been related or possibly a medical incident,” Lewis said during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon. “However, following an autopsy conducted this morning, preliminary findings indicate that the death is being investigated as a homicide.”
The second victim, a 79-year-old man, was found on Tuesday at approximately 12:39 p.m. about 400 to 500 yards away from the home of the first victim, both near Papaya Farms Road in Pāhoa. Officers found the second victim with apparent blunt force trauma injuries, Lewis said.
“Based off of these injuries observed, detectives were able to determine early in the investigation that this case was a homicide,” Lewis said.
Later Tuesday, at 9:58 p.m., a third victim, age 69, was found 19 miles away in a residence on the 12-7800 block of Kalapana Kapoho Beach Road in Pāhoa.
Lewis said officers were making a welfare check on the man, but when they arrived, they found him dead with apparent injuries, but did not say what type. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Police did not identify the victims. But Don Hyatt, a friend of the first two victims, identified them as Bob Shine and Chitta Morse.
“When I heard my friend Bob died, at that point it sounded like an accident,” Hyatt said. “He was found in a catchment tank. You know, (expletive) happens. But then I learned Chitta was killed, and not only just killed, but like hacked up.”
Hawai‘i Police Chief Reed Mahuna said during a press conference on Wednesday: “Our officers and investigators have been working around the clock since this first incident was reported.”
Mahuna said at this time police do not have a motive for the deaths of the men or know how they are connected, however, he said the department is confident that Baker is involved in all three homicides and acted alone.
Just four days before the first murder, two women tried to file a restraining order against Baker, according to court filings in the 3rd Circuit Court.
Janelle Honer, owner of Josanna’s Organic Farms, said Baker threatened her life, the life of a disabled man and the lives of three people currently living on her farm. She stated that Baker has made multiple threats in the past.
“I don’t feel safe,” the complainant writes. “He will enter our property and take items. Threaten us. Says he wants to squat there.”
On the petition, Honer wrote about Baker’s address: “Raised by wolves on instagram.”
Another woman said she was staying on a friend’s farm, but realized that all the women left because Baker was threatening to kill them.
“He’s been intimidating the owner of the farm and threatening to harm her,” the complaintant writes. “He also threatened guests on the farm that just arrived.”
She wrote in all caps: “EVERYONE LEFT BECAUSE THEY DON’T FEEL SAFE.” She added: “Please approved this as soon as possible.”
The complainant included a link to a video that she said showed Baker making a direct threat. The link no longer exists.
On May 26, Judge Kanani Laubach denied both temporary restraining order petitions citing there was insufficient evidence to amount to a probable cause to believe an act of harassment occurred.
Hyatt, who also is friends with Honer, said she called him a few days ago about Baker, who had been living in a cabin at the farm in trade for work.
“He had disappeared for a couple of months and left the cabin in disarray, with outside trash and furniture just sitting outside,” Hyatt said. “Then he came back and wanted to stay. He came back and threatened her, and her dog. I told her she needed to get a TRO (temporary restraining order) on this guy.”
Mahuna said the department was not aware of the death threats.
Mahuna also told members of the media on Wednesday that he understands the fear and concerns incidents like this bring to the community.
“I want to assure the public that we have mobilized significant resources and personnel to address this situation swiftly and thoroughly,” Mahuna said. “Bringing this suspect into custody without anyone further being harmed is the number one priority of this police department.”
Mahuna’s message to Baker was to turn himself in.
Baker is described as Asian, 5 feet 9 inches tall, about 190 pounds, with short black hair. He also has a fresh tattoo under his left eye.
“We would like him to contact the police, turn himself in, and don’t risk any further harm to anyone else or himself,” the chief said.
While Baker is considered armed and very dangerous, it is not known if he has a firearm. None of the murders were committed with a gun, Mahuna said.
Police urge the public not to approach him. If seen, members of the public should contact 911 or 808-935-3311.
Mahuna expressed sympathy to the victim’s families. Hyatt said Morse was known as the “guru of permaculture out here in Puna. Permaculture. You know, just living off the land. He was such a cool dude.”
Hyatt said Shine was a transplant from the mainland. “He was just a really nice, sweet guy. I mean, he’s a little eclectic and a little ecentric, but I mean it just added to his charm.”
Hyatt added: “I hope they get this guy. Puna has so many crazy (expletives) out here.”
On Wednesday, an unmarked police vehicle drove slowly up Papaya Farms Road looking for open gates or pedestrians who may know Baker. Two officers stopped to talk to Adam, a landscaper who was collecting coconuts and declined to give his last name.
“I only heard about this this morning,” Adam said. “I don’t think anyone is nervous right now since his identity is everywhere.”
Located behind miles of lava fields in Puna, Papaya Farms Road is in a rural area in Kapoho about 10 miles east of Pāhoa. Residents are often living off grid and service is spotty at best.
Michael S Leroux, who works at Josanna’s, said: “I’ve met the suspect in person and (his) place is right near my cottage stay. It’s been very eerie going to sleep at night.”
Police ask anyone with information regarding this investigation or Baker’s whereabouts to contact Detective Duane Rapoza at (808) 961-2383 or via email at Duane.Rapoza@hawaiipolice.gov, or Detective Sy Keltner at (808) 961-2384 or via email at Sy.Keltner@hawaiipolice.gov. Members of the public may also call the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000. All Crime Stoppers information is confidential.
This is an active and unfolding investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available.
Big Island Now reporter Kelsey Walling and Kauaʻi Now reporter Xiomara Yamileth contributed to this report.
