The Hawaii Police confirmed on Saturday, May 30, the formal presentation of additional charges against Jacob Daniel Baker, a resident of Pāhoa, identified as the main suspect in a triple homicide that occurred in the Puna region.

After coordination with the Hawaii County Prosecutor's Office, authorities added charges of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder, in addition to crimes related to robbery and property damage.

The first-degree charge responds to the alleged death of two or more people in the same criminal scheme, according to the indictment published by the Hawaii Police Department.

Prior to the murder charges, Baker was already facing multiple charges related to property crimes, including first-degree burglary, vehicle theft, first- and fourth-degree larceny, fourth-degree property damage, and unlawful entry into a vehicle.

The initial bail for these crimes was set at $193,000, although authorities specified that the defendant cannot be released even if he cancels it, due to the murder charges.

Victims of the triple homicide in the district of Puna

Police investigations link the murders of Robert Shine, 69; Chitta Morse, 79; and John Carse, 69, which occurred in different locations in Pāhoa and Kalapana.

The three men were found dead in their homes between Monday and Tuesday, in circumstances considered suspicious by investigators.

Shine was found on his property on Papaya Farms Road, Morse was found a few meters away from the first case and Carse was located on Kalapana-Kapoho Road, about 19 kilometers from the first two scenarios.

According to autopsy reports, Shine died from strangulation, while Carse died from sharp force trauma. In Morse's case, authorities confirmed injuries from blunt force violence.

Investigators are keeping proceedings open to clarify the complete sequence of events and possible links between the crime scenes.

End of search and capture in a Kalapana cave

The search operation concluded on Thursday, May 28, when Baker was located hiding in a small cave in the Kaimū Cove area, in Kalapana, south of Puna.

His arrest occurred without incident, ending a manhunt that involved local, state and federal agencies.

The case generated deep concern among residents of the Puna district, who lived for several days under alert for the possibility of new attacks.

After the capture, local authorities highlighted the community relief and underlined the importance of closing the operation for the beginning of the judicial process.

Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda said the case represents a step toward justice and emotional recovery for affected families.

Jacob Daniel Baker remains in custody as he awaits his first court appearance, scheduled for Monday, June 1, in Hilo District Court. Authorities confirmed that he will continue to be detained without bail on the murder charges.