Police in Hawaii began a full‑body search on Thursday for 36‑year‑old Jacob Baker of Pahoa, describing him as armed and extremely dangerous and saying he is wanted in connection with three murders that took place within a two‑day window earlier this week.
We are deploying significant resources and personnel, Hawaii Police Chief Reed Mahuna told reporters as the search accelerated. The chief said Baker is a person of interest but did not reveal evidence linking him to the killings.
The three victims, aged 69, 69, and 79, were found dead in the Puna region of the Big Island on Monday and Tuesday. The first 69‑year‑old was discovered near his residence, partially submerged in a cement pond, around 8 p.m. Initial autopsies indicated homicide. About 400–500 feet (122–152 metres) later, a 79‑year‑old man was found with obvious blunt‑force injuries. On the evening of Tuesday, police responded to a welfare‑check request at a property 19 miles (31 kilometers) from the first two scenes, and a 69‑year‑old man was again found dead.
These are a tragic series of events and our thoughts are with those who are grieving, Chief Mahuna said at a news conference Wednesday. He added that the department is concerned about the potential danger Baker could pose.
The police have urged the public to report any sightings of Baker or suspicious activity in or around the homicide locations. They cautioned residents not to approach him. In a statement, the department said Baker is a priority target for the recovery operation.
While authorities confirmed no motive, they remain confident Baker was involved in all three deaths. Information on how the suspect was identified, or the evidence linking him to the murders, was not released.
Officials are continuing to monitor the surrounding area and are collaborating with local agencies to provide a rapid‑reaction response. The ongoing search remains a high‑profile priority as the community seeks answers and safety.
Police urge anyone with knowledge of Baker’s whereabouts or any relevant information to contact the Hawaii Police Department or call the emergency line 911 immediately.
We are deploying significant resources and personnel, Hawaii Police Chief Reed Mahuna told reporters as the search accelerated. The chief said Baker is a person of interest but did not reveal evidence linking him to the killings.
The three victims, aged 69, 69, and 79, were found dead in the Puna region of the Big Island on Monday and Tuesday. The first 69‑year‑old was discovered near his residence, partially submerged in a cement pond, around 8 p.m. Initial autopsies indicated homicide. About 400–500 feet (122–152 metres) later, a 79‑year‑old man was found with obvious blunt‑force injuries. On the evening of Tuesday, police responded to a welfare‑check request at a property 19 miles (31 kilometers) from the first two scenes, and a 69‑year‑old man was again found dead.
These are a tragic series of events and our thoughts are with those who are grieving, Chief Mahuna said at a news conference Wednesday. He added that the department is concerned about the potential danger Baker could pose.
The police have urged the public to report any sightings of Baker or suspicious activity in or around the homicide locations. They cautioned residents not to approach him. In a statement, the department said Baker is a priority target for the recovery operation.
While authorities confirmed no motive, they remain confident Baker was involved in all three deaths. Information on how the suspect was identified, or the evidence linking him to the murders, was not released.
Officials are continuing to monitor the surrounding area and are collaborating with local agencies to provide a rapid‑reaction response. The ongoing search remains a high‑profile priority as the community seeks answers and safety.
Police urge anyone with knowledge of Baker’s whereabouts or any relevant information to contact the Hawaii Police Department or call the emergency line 911 immediately.
