Police in Hawaii are on a high‑stakes mission to locate a 36‑year‑old man, identified by police as Jacob Baker, who is allegedly the perpetrator in three separate murders that occurred within a 48‑hour span in the Puna region of the Big Island.
Chief of Police Reed Mahuna announced Thursday that the police department had deployed more than a hundred officers, lifeguards, and an aerostat in a search operation that covers over 200 square miles of volcanic terrain. “It is a great resource and personnel deployment for a very serious matter,” Mahuna told reporters.
The killings occurred in a tight timeframe: on Monday evening, a 69‑year‑old man was discovered in a residence that had partially submerged in a cement pond. An early autopsy report—released by the coroner’s office—confirmed the death was a homicide. On Tuesday, a 79‑year‑old man was found with blunt‑force injuries only 400–500 feet from the first murder site. That evening a third victim, a 69‑year‑old man, was located at a property roughly 19 miles from the earlier crime scenes.
Mahuna did not provide evidence linking Baker directly to the crimes but said that the suspect is “known to police” and that arresting him is the department’s top priority. He urged residents to report any information or suspicious activity in the affected areas but cautioned everyone not to approach Baker.
In a statement, the chief expressed condolences to families: “These are tragic events. Our thoughts are with those grieving.” The police are also soliciting public assistance, emphasizing that any tips that could help locate Baker will be treated as confidential and helpful.
Because the crimes span a wide geographic area, the search has involved state‑wide coordination with the Hawaii State Police, the U.S. Coast Guard and local university investigators. While the motive remains unclear, officials have ruled out any apparent pattern linking the victims beyond the suspect’s alleged presence.
Fatalities in small‑town Hawaii are a rare occurrence. Police say this intensive search is a reminder that criminal activity can still go unnoticed in remote communities. The next step for the department is to round up any additional leads from the public and secure Baker’s location before dangerous situations arise.
Chief of Police Reed Mahuna announced Thursday that the police department had deployed more than a hundred officers, lifeguards, and an aerostat in a search operation that covers over 200 square miles of volcanic terrain. “It is a great resource and personnel deployment for a very serious matter,” Mahuna told reporters.
The killings occurred in a tight timeframe: on Monday evening, a 69‑year‑old man was discovered in a residence that had partially submerged in a cement pond. An early autopsy report—released by the coroner’s office—confirmed the death was a homicide. On Tuesday, a 79‑year‑old man was found with blunt‑force injuries only 400–500 feet from the first murder site. That evening a third victim, a 69‑year‑old man, was located at a property roughly 19 miles from the earlier crime scenes.
Mahuna did not provide evidence linking Baker directly to the crimes but said that the suspect is “known to police” and that arresting him is the department’s top priority. He urged residents to report any information or suspicious activity in the affected areas but cautioned everyone not to approach Baker.
In a statement, the chief expressed condolences to families: “These are tragic events. Our thoughts are with those grieving.” The police are also soliciting public assistance, emphasizing that any tips that could help locate Baker will be treated as confidential and helpful.
Because the crimes span a wide geographic area, the search has involved state‑wide coordination with the Hawaii State Police, the U.S. Coast Guard and local university investigators. While the motive remains unclear, officials have ruled out any apparent pattern linking the victims beyond the suspect’s alleged presence.
Fatalities in small‑town Hawaii are a rare occurrence. Police say this intensive search is a reminder that criminal activity can still go unnoticed in remote communities. The next step for the department is to round up any additional leads from the public and secure Baker’s location before dangerous situations arise.
