We All Matter News 
Man Arrested After Three Killings Shake Hawaiʻi’s Big Island Community
A 36-year-old man described by authorities as “armed and extremely dangerous” has been taken into custody following a terrifying series of killings that rocked communities across Hawaiʻi’s Big Island. Jacob Baker of Pahoa was arrested Thursday evening without incident, according to the Hawaiʻi Police Department, after a sweeping manhunt involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Baker had been sought in connection with the deaths of three men whose bodies were discovered within a span of two days. The rapid succession of deaths left residents frightened and searching for answers, as law enforcement mobilized substantial personnel and resources to apprehend the suspect.
Three Lives Lost in Two Days
The string of tragedy began Monday when authorities discovered the body of 69-year-old Robert Shine, partially submerged in a cement pond. An autopsy determined that Shine died from strangulation, a finding that underscored the violence of the crime.
On Tuesday afternoon, police located a second victim, a 79-year-old man, approximately 400 to 500 feet from where Shine was found. Officials have not yet publicly confirmed his cause of death.
Later Tuesday evening, the body of 69-year-old John Carse was discovered about 19 miles away. An autopsy revealed that Carse suffered sharp force injuries. However, investigators are still awaiting toxicology results before issuing a final determination.
Police Chief Reed Mahuna acknowledged the toll these killings have taken on the community, calling them “a tragic series of events” and extending condolences to grieving families. He also recognized the fear that such violence sparks in tight-knit communities, where safety and mutual trust are deeply valued.
Questions Around Warnings and Restraining Orders
While many details about the investigation remain undisclosed — including what evidence links Baker to the crimes and whether the victims knew one another — court records reveal troubling warning signs in the days preceding the killings.
Two women had sought temporary restraining orders against Baker, alleging that he threatened and harassed them at a local farm property. One woman stated in court filings that Baker had threatened to kill several women living there, causing some to leave out of fear.
A judge ultimately denied both requests, citing insufficient evidence to justify issuing the restraining orders.
These developments are likely to reignite broader conversations about how seriously threats are treated in our legal system — especially when women come forward seeking protection. Advocates for survivors of harassment and domestic violence have long argued that courts must act swiftly and decisively when credible threats emerge, rather than waiting for tragedy to strike.
Community Ties and a Falling Out
According to a local resident who spoke to The Associated Press, Baker had been living on property owned by his ex-wife in the Puna area, where she cultivates dozens of fruit varieties. He had previously worked there, climbing coconut trees as part of the farm’s operations.
But the relationship reportedly deteriorated, prompting his ex-wife to pursue a restraining order because she said she felt threatened. A neighbor described Baker as coming across as “kind of angry,” painting a picture of mounting tensions before the violence unfolded.
A Multi-Agency Response
In response to the escalating crisis, authorities launched an intensive search operation. The effort included the Hawaiʻi Police Department, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, state sheriffs, and officers with the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
While Baker’s arrest brings a measure of relief, the deeper work of healing and accountability remains ahead. Families are mourning loved ones. A community is grappling with shock and grief. And residents are left asking how systems meant to protect people can better respond when early warning signs appear.
As the investigation continues, many on the Big Island are calling not only for justice, but also for a renewed commitment to community safety — one that centers prevention, takes threats seriously, and ensures that vulnerable people are heard before it’s too late.
In moments like this, justice must mean more than a single arrest — it must also mean learning from tragedy to build a safer, more responsive system for everyone.
