Full Breakdown
Triple Homicides in Puna Prompt Islandwide Manhunt for Jacob Daniel Baker
5/29/2026, 12:08:09 AM
Triple Homicides Spark Islandwide Manhunt
Between May 25-26 2026, three elderly men were found dead in separate homes in the Puna district of Hawai‘i Island. The victims—Bob Shine (69), Chitta Morse (79), and an unidentified 69-year-old—were discovered in a cement pond, a bedroom surrounded by barrels, and a residence on Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road, respectively. Police have identified 36-year-old Jacob Daniel Baker as the sole suspect and classified the case as a homicide spree.
Recent Legal Attempts and Community Alerts
On May 22, two women—farm owner Janelle Honer and neighbor Angelia Romero-Hanson—filed temporary restraining order (TRO) applications alleging that Baker threatened their lives. The Third Circuit Court denied both petitions on May 26, citing insufficient evidence. The court closed for Memorial Day weekend before reviewing the requests, and police were unaware of the filings until after the killings.
Principal Actors
- Jacob Daniel Baker – 36, Asian, 5 ft 9 in, ~190 lb, short black hair, tattoo under left eye. Considered armed and extremely dangerous.
- Chief Reed Mahuna – Head of Hawai‘i Island Police, leading the manhunt.
- Mayor Kimo Alameda – County mayor, coordinating public-safety response.
- Capt. Jeremy Scott Lewis – Provided forensic updates on the victims.
- Community volunteers – Jeff Regan, Tiffany Edwards Hunt, Mark Hinshaw, among others, organized informal patrols.
Chronology of the Killings and Response
- May 25, 8:47 p.m. – First body found partially submerged in a cement pond on Railroad Avenue.
- May 26, 12:39 p.m. – Second body discovered ~400 ft from the first site on Papaya Farms Road; blunt-force trauma noted.
- May 26, 9:58 p.m. – Third body located on Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road, ~19 mi from the first two sites.
- May 27 – Police announce Baker as suspect; issue public safety alerts; begin islandwide search with drones and patrols.
Victim and Suspect Profile
- Victims: two identified (Shine, Morse) and one unnamed; ages 69, 79, 69.
- No firearm was used in any killing; weapons have not been disclosed.
- Baker’s prior record includes DUI and open-container citations but no violent offenses.
Community Impact and Policing Challenges
Residents reported delayed public notices, limited police presence, and long 911 response times in the sparsely staffed district. Community events were canceled, and informal night-time patrols were organized to augment official efforts.
Official Statements from Authorities
Chief Mahuna emphasized that apprehending Baker is the department’s top priority and that the suspect is “armed and extremely dangerous.” Mayor Alameda reiterated that public safety remains the highest county priority and that patrol presence is being increased. Capt. Lewis confirmed that autopsies have ruled the first two deaths homicides and that investigations are ongoing.
Community Criticism of Judicial and Police Actions
Neighbors expressed frustration that restraining-order requests were denied and that police did not issue a public warning until the day after the first death. A resident noted that “nobody knew he was wanted” because authorities withheld information pending investigation.
Eyewitness and Local Accounts
A neighbor recounted hearing Baker shout “Bob’s dead” repeatedly during the initial confrontation. Another resident described Baker’s aggressive behavior, including kicking a dog and attempting to assault a female occupant before being pepper-sprayed. Jeff Regan’s group conducted nightly drives along Red Road to provide a sense of security.
Unresolved Questions
- The exact motive for the killings remains unknown.
- Police have not disclosed the forensic evidence linking Baker to all three deaths.
- The identity of the third victim has not been released.
Direct Voices
- “Jacob Baker has threatened my life.” — Janelle Honer, farm owner
- “Nobody knew he was wanted.” — Anonymous woman familiar with the situation
- “If the suspect is watching this, we would like him to contact the police, turn himself in, and don’t risk any further harm to anyone else or himself.” — Chief Reed Mahuna
- “He was yelling crazy things. He screamed ‘Bob’s dead’ about three to four times.” — Neighbor Jacob Spandl
- “I’m just still really in shock and just going through different waves of emotion and disbelief and sadness.” — Anon Shine, daughter of victim
Ongoing Search and Public Guidance
Police continue to request tips via Detective Duane Rapoza (808-961-2383) or Detective Sy Keltner (808-961-2384). Anonymous callers may use Crime Stoppers (808-961-8300) for a possible reward. The public is urged not to approach Baker and to call 911 if he is sighted.
