[ "HONOLULU — Authorities in Hawaii now face a new set of charges after a manhunt on the Big Island yielded a suspect in a series of killings deep in the Puna region. Jacob Daniel Baker, 36, was charged Saturday with first‑ and second‑degree murder after three people were discovered dead in an off‑grid community known for its communal, eco‑friendly lifestyle.", "", "The Hawaii Police Department announced that Baker remains in custody without bond and that his first court appearance is scheduled for Monday. Police have not yet confirmed whether the suspect has legal representation.", "", "The charges were brought two days after police apprehended Baker following a manhunt for the long‑time search. Three victims – Robert Shine, 69; Chitta Morse, 79; and John Carse, 69 – were found in the Puna region, an area notable for its lush jungle, barren lava fields and the tight‑knit population that trades labor for lodging.", "", "Shine was found partially submerged in a cement pond on Monday. Morse’s body was discovered the following day a few hundred feet away, while Carse’s corpse was located late Tuesday at a property 19 miles (31 kilometers) from where the other two victims were found. Police have not identified a motive and have stated that the only clear connection between the victims is that two of them lived close to each other.", "", "Baker now also faces charges of burglary, auto theft and criminal damage to property. Hawaii Police Chief Reed Mahuna noted that investigators found no links among the victims aside from proximity: We see no pattern beyond the fact that the victims were neighbors or in close proximity, he said.", "", "The killings have left residents of Puna on edge. Stephen Shaffer, a Puna resident, told reporters that Baker had once worked for his ex‑wife, climbing coconut trees on the property in exchange for a place to stay. After a few months, Shaffer said, the ex‑wife obtained a restraining order against Baker, claiming she felt threatened.", "", "Donald Hyatt, a friend of Shaffer’s ex‑wife and of two of the men killed, said Baker had left the accommodation where he lived months ago and later claimed squatter’s rights, threatening Shaffer’s ex‑wife again. Court records show that Baker had been involved in at least 20 cases over the past two decades, most of them traffic infractions; in most cases he represented himself and never had an attorney.", "", "Despite the seriousness of the allegations, no suspect motive has been disclosed, and the investigation continues to probe the circumstances that led to the three deaths." ]