Investigating Third Suspicious Death in Puna, Seeking Suspect Jacob Baker

(Update #2)

Hawaiʻi Island police are investigating a suspicious death that occurred in Puna on Tuesday evening, May 26, 2026.

At 9:58 p.m., Puna patrol officers responded to a residence in the 12-7800 block of Kalapana Kapoho Beach Road in Pāhoa for a report of a deceased male on the property. Officers located an elderly deceased male on the property. Due to suspicious circumstances, detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section responded to the scene and are continuing the investigation. Positive identification of the victim is pending. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Police believe that this homicide is related to two others that occurred in the vicinity in the past two days.

Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Jacob Daniel Baker, 36, of Pāhoa, for questioning in connection with this investigation.

Baker is described as Asian, 5 feet 9 inches tall, about 190 pounds, with short black hair. He also has a tattoo under his left eye.

The public is asked to not approach Baker and to call 911 immediately if he seen.

Police ask anyone with information regarding this investigation or Baker’s whereabouts to contact Detective Duane Rapoza at (808) 961-2383 or via email at Duane.Rapoza@hawaiipolice.gov, or Detective Sy Keltner at (808) 961-2384 or via email at Sy.Keltner@hawaiipolice.gov. Members of the public may also call the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000. All Crime Stoppers information is confidential.