A man allegedly kills 3 elderly men in Hawaii within 48 hours. Police are still looking for him

A Man Allegedly Kills Three Elderly Men in Hawaii Within 48 Hours. Police Still Search for Him

A man allegedly kills 3 elderly – Within a span of less than two days, three elderly men in Hawaiʻi were fatally attacked, leaving their families in deep sorrow and the local community gripped by fear as authorities continue their search for the individual responsible. The suspect, Jacob Daniel Baker, 36, of Pāhoa, has been linked to the three homicides, though he remains at large. According to Hawaiʻi Police Chief Reed Mahuna, Baker is deemed “armed and extremely dangerous,” with the investigation still underway to confirm the exact connections between the victims and the method used to identify him as the perpetrator.

Suspect Profile

Baker, described as 5-foot-9 and approximately 190 pounds, is known for his short black hair and a tattoo beneath his left eye. His presence in the area was already familiar to both police and residents before the killings. Mahuna revealed that the suspect’s identity was established through evidence, though the specifics of the investigation remain confidential. “We cannot share the details of the evidence at this time, but we are certain Baker is involved in all three incidents,” the chief stated during a press briefing.

Timeline of the Killings

The first victim, a 69-year-old man, was discovered Monday evening in a cement pond located near Railroad Avenue in Pāhoa. At first, investigators were unsure whether his death resulted from a medical issue or intentional harm. However, an autopsy conducted Wednesday confirmed it was a homicide, according to Capt. Jeremy Lewis. The second victim, a 79-year-old man, was found the following day, Tuesday, at a home on Papaya Farms Road, just 400 to 500 feet away from the first crime scene. His death was attributed to blunt force trauma. The third victim, a 69-year-old man, was discovered shortly before 10 p.m. on the same Tuesday at a property on Kalapana Kapoho Beach Road, about 19 miles from the first location.

Although police have stated no firearm was used in the attacks, they have not disclosed the specific weapon believed to be involved. The lack of a clear motive adds to the mystery surrounding the killings. “We haven’t determined a reason behind the murders yet,” officials noted, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Restraining Orders and Community Concerns

Days prior to the bodies being found, two women had sought temporary restraining orders against Baker. These requests, obtained by CNN, detail alleged threats against their lives and those of others. One of the women, the owner of Josanna’s Organic Garden, claimed Baker had threatened her, a disabled man, and three other residents on the property. The farm, located on Papaya Farms Road, is the same area where the second victim’s body was discovered. “He will enter our property and take items, threaten us, says he wants to squat there,” she wrote in her filing.

A second restraining order was filed by a friend of the farm owner, who described feeling unsafe due to Baker’s behavior. “I came to stay on my friend’s farm only to realize that the women left because this man was threatening to kill them,” the friend wrote. “He’s been intimidating the owner of the farm and threatening to harm her. EVERYONE LEFT BECAUSE THEY DON’T FEEL SAFE.” Both petitions were denied on Tuesday, the same day the second and third victims were located. A judge ruled that the evidence in the farm owner’s case was insufficient to justify probable cause for harassment under Hawaiʻi law.

Neighbor Accounts and Police Awareness

Neighbors reported that Baker had been acting strangely in the days leading up to the killings, with some describing erratic behavior. Mahuna confirmed that Baker was known to the community and had previously been in contact with police. Despite this, the department had not issued any alerts about his potential for violence. “We hadn’t received any calls about Baker’s behavior before the killings,” a police spokesperson noted, though the connection between his actions and the crimes remains under scrutiny.

CNN has contacted Hawaiʻi police to inquire about their prior knowledge of Baker and his involvement in the restraining order filings. The police have not yet provided additional details about the cases or their investigative process. Meanwhile, the community continues to grapple with the aftermath, with residents expressing unease over the rapid succession of the attacks and the suspect’s ability to evade capture.

Victim Families Speak Out

While the victims’ identities have not been officially released, family members have begun sharing their grief. One of the deceased, identified as Bob Shine, a farmer, was recognized by his daughter, Anon Shine, who described her shock at the news of his death. Shine recounted learning of the killings during a birthday celebration and later receiving a call from a neighbor who witnessed parts of the events. “At first I wasn’t sure if it was a joke or just one of those things you don’t feel is possible,” Shine said. “She’s told me the firsthand stories from the other neighbors, and that’s how I found out that it was true.”

Shine emphasized the emotional toll of the tragedy, stating, “I’m just still really in shock and just going through it day by day.” Her account highlights the personal impact of the killings, as well as the community’s growing fear of Baker’s actions. As the search for the suspect continues, police are urging residents to remain vigilant, with Mahuna reiterating the urgency of the situation. “Baker is a significant threat, and we’re working tirelessly to locate him,” the chief added, underscoring the need for public cooperation in the investigation.

The events have sparked a broader conversation about safety in the region, with local authorities considering whether additional measures are necessary. As the mystery deepens, the focus remains on uncovering the full story of Baker’s alleged crimes and ensuring that justice is served for the three men who lost their lives in such a short time. The community, now on edge, watches closely for any new developments in the case.