Police in Hawaii are searching for a 36-year-old man, described as “armed and extremely dangerous,” after three people were found dead within a two-day span on the Big Island.
Suspect Identified
Jacob Baker is wanted by authorities following the discovery of three male victims—two aged 69 and one aged 79—on Monday and Tuesday in the Puna district of Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island. Police Chief Reed Mahuna described the incidents as “a tragic series of events” during a news conference on Wednesday.
“Our thoughts are with those who are grieving at this time,” Mahuna said. “The Hawaii Police Department understands the fear and concerns incidents like this bring to our community.” He added that bringing Baker into custody is the department’s “No. 1 priority.”
Details of the Homicides
The first victim, a 69-year-old man, was found partially submerged in a cement pond at a residence around 8 p.m. on Monday. Initially, police were uncertain if foul play was involved, but preliminary autopsy results confirmed the death was a homicide.
On Tuesday, shortly after 12:30 p.m., a 79-year-old man was discovered dead with apparent blunt force injuries approximately 400 to 500 feet from the first crime scene. Later that evening, around 10 p.m., police responded to a welfare check request at a property about 19 miles away and found a 69-year-old man dead with injuries.
Investigation and Public Appeal
Mahuna declined to release details on how Baker was identified as a suspect or what evidence connects him to the killings, citing the ongoing investigation. He confirmed that Baker is known to police but did not elaborate on his criminal history. Authorities have not identified a motive but are confident Baker is involved in all three homicides.
Police are deploying “significant resources and personnel” in the search for Baker, who is believed to be armed and extremely dangerous. Officials are urging the public to report any information about Baker or suspicious activities in the areas of the homicides, and strongly advise against approaching him.
