Suspect in the killing of 3 men in Hawaii is charged with murder

U.S. newsSuspect in the killing of 3 men in Hawaii is charged with murderJacob Daniel Baker, 36, is accused of killing two 69-year-old men and a 79-year-old man on the Big Island.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Add NBC News to GoogleHawaii police arrest suspect linked to three deaths02:05Get more newsLiveonShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 31, 2026, 8:21 PM EDTBy Marlene LenthangA Hawaii man arrested earlier this week following a dayslong manhunt has been charged with murder in connection with the killings of three men on the Big Island, police announced.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Jacob Daniel Baker, 36, is charged with one count of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder, the Hawaii Police Department said in a news release Saturday. The murder charges came after police conferred with the Hawaii County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, the department said.The first-degree murder charge pertains to “intentionally or knowingly killing two or more people,” and the second-degree murder charges relate to the three slain victims, police said.Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the killings.Attorney information for Baker was not immediately available Sunday. He is scheduled to make an initial court appearance in Hilo District Court on Monday.Baker is also charged with burglary, breaking into a car, auto theft and other offenses, authorities said.“Baker’s bail for the murder charges is set at no bail. He will not be eligible for release even if he makes bail for the property crimes,” police said. Baker, of Pāhoa, was arrested Thursday in Kalapana following a dayslong manhunt. He was wanted in connection with three killings in the Puna District, a large rural area on the island’s east coast.He was spotted ducking down in a field as traffic passed by and fled before he was found in a small cave, police have said. The victims were identified as Robert Shine,...