## Puna, a Remote Oasis Where Life Runs on Its Own
Puna, a remote stretch on Hawaii’s Big Island, has long been prized by off‑grid seekers and communal folk. Residents live on affordable land, trading work for shelter, and often dislike modern infrastructure. Despite its seemingly idyllic setting, the region has struggled with limited resources, drug abuse, poverty and a growing sense of insecurity.
## The Unthinkable: Three Men Vanish
On Saturday, the bodies of three men—two 69‑year‑olds and one 79‑year‑old—were discovered in Puna and its outskirts. Robert Shine was found partially submerged in a cement pond, John Carse was found just a few hundred feet away, and the third victim, later identified as Chitta Morse, was located nearly 19 miles from the others.
The find was shocking to locals, many of whom knew the victims from community gatherings, pot‑luck dinners, and the lively drum circles at Saturday afternoons. He was dancing like he loved life, remarked Donald Hyatt’s friend, who claimed the deceased last appeared at a rock-and‑roll party.
## Jacob Baker: From Pit‑Stop to Suspect
Jacob Baker, 36, was arrested the day after the murders. His past includes a history of interactions with law‑enforcement—traffic infractions, burglary, the occasional n plus little. Puna residents said he had become increasingly menacing in recent months, earning him a reputation as a threat.
“He lived at Janelle Honer's property, trading labor to trim coconuts in exchange for shelter,” explained Stephen Shaffer, Honer’s ex‑husband. “Baker left the cabin, but returned claiming squatter’s rights.”
Residents describe Baker as a former guest who seemed normal at first. “I didn’t see him in two years,” said Richard Valdez, noting he had watched Baker through a surveillance camera system that tracked his movements near the property.
On the same day he was spotted violating the property, the camera captured Baker salt‑walking barefoot with a dog, flipping the scene deliberately while traffic passed.
## Police Investigation Is Underway
The police found Baker in a small cave a short distance from the recorded incident, “ducking from traffic to avoid being seen.” Police say they found stolen couch cushions and charcoal near the remains. Mark Wyatt, another neighbor, said Baker had stealed items from his property before being physically refused a restrain by a judge.
The homicide investigators are combing through the 3 miles that separate Cherokee, the 79-year-old victim, from the others left a large clue that matters.
## Community Response
A memorial is slated for Saturday next to Honer's place. County councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz warned that Puna’s limited infrastructure is a roadblock to health and safety for residents.
Tiffany Edwards Hunt, long‑time resident, reminded that this story gen letter about the district’s social fabric:
> *People have this mistaken impression that they can come to Hawaii and heal, but the reality is that the country can either be kind or it can chew you up and spit you out.*
The worst part? Everyone has been caught in it.
## Questions Remaining
Although the suspect is in custody, prosecutors are still consolidating evidence and a formal complaint might still be months away. District attorneys are also assessing how Baker infiltrated the off‑grid block in a way that could lead to the deaths of three citizen.
We’re aware that Puna has reluctantly accepted community documentation, and we’re continuing our conversation with the residents, said the police chief.
The investigation is still ongoing. The court is to decide whether the final charges align with the district’s rules of certainty. The local community remains pressing for an answer. That emotional weight for us is unforgivable.
*← Read more*
Puna, a remote stretch on Hawaii’s Big Island, has long been prized by off‑grid seekers and communal folk. Residents live on affordable land, trading work for shelter, and often dislike modern infrastructure. Despite its seemingly idyllic setting, the region has struggled with limited resources, drug abuse, poverty and a growing sense of insecurity.
## The Unthinkable: Three Men Vanish
On Saturday, the bodies of three men—two 69‑year‑olds and one 79‑year‑old—were discovered in Puna and its outskirts. Robert Shine was found partially submerged in a cement pond, John Carse was found just a few hundred feet away, and the third victim, later identified as Chitta Morse, was located nearly 19 miles from the others.
The find was shocking to locals, many of whom knew the victims from community gatherings, pot‑luck dinners, and the lively drum circles at Saturday afternoons. He was dancing like he loved life, remarked Donald Hyatt’s friend, who claimed the deceased last appeared at a rock-and‑roll party.
## Jacob Baker: From Pit‑Stop to Suspect
Jacob Baker, 36, was arrested the day after the murders. His past includes a history of interactions with law‑enforcement—traffic infractions, burglary, the occasional n plus little. Puna residents said he had become increasingly menacing in recent months, earning him a reputation as a threat.
“He lived at Janelle Honer's property, trading labor to trim coconuts in exchange for shelter,” explained Stephen Shaffer, Honer’s ex‑husband. “Baker left the cabin, but returned claiming squatter’s rights.”
Residents describe Baker as a former guest who seemed normal at first. “I didn’t see him in two years,” said Richard Valdez, noting he had watched Baker through a surveillance camera system that tracked his movements near the property.
On the same day he was spotted violating the property, the camera captured Baker salt‑walking barefoot with a dog, flipping the scene deliberately while traffic passed.
## Police Investigation Is Underway
The police found Baker in a small cave a short distance from the recorded incident, “ducking from traffic to avoid being seen.” Police say they found stolen couch cushions and charcoal near the remains. Mark Wyatt, another neighbor, said Baker had stealed items from his property before being physically refused a restrain by a judge.
The homicide investigators are combing through the 3 miles that separate Cherokee, the 79-year-old victim, from the others left a large clue that matters.
## Community Response
A memorial is slated for Saturday next to Honer's place. County councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz warned that Puna’s limited infrastructure is a roadblock to health and safety for residents.
Tiffany Edwards Hunt, long‑time resident, reminded that this story gen letter about the district’s social fabric:
> *People have this mistaken impression that they can come to Hawaii and heal, but the reality is that the country can either be kind or it can chew you up and spit you out.*
The worst part? Everyone has been caught in it.
## Questions Remaining
Although the suspect is in custody, prosecutors are still consolidating evidence and a formal complaint might still be months away. District attorneys are also assessing how Baker infiltrated the off‑grid block in a way that could lead to the deaths of three citizen.
We’re aware that Puna has reluctantly accepted community documentation, and we’re continuing our conversation with the residents, said the police chief.
The investigation is still ongoing. The court is to decide whether the final charges align with the district’s rules of certainty. The local community remains pressing for an answer. That emotional weight for us is unforgivable.
*← Read more*
