Point to Ponder #1

Once again....pulling Peggy's comments from In Cold Blog to post on. It's a perfectly legitmate question that when asked, NO "Matt just couldn't do such a thing" folks have a response. It just sits there like a giant white elephant in the room that they don't want to acknoweldge at all.

Peggy says:

"Emotionless question:

Matt says he was gone for approximately 50 minutes when he came home and found her dead and called 911. As body temperature and rate of lividity showed, Kari was dead for for 2-3 times longer than Matt was away. How does this add up to show Matt innocent?

Quoting from the 48 Hours piece:

'And he is not the only one who questions Matt’s story. Steven Karch, a toxicologist 48 Hours consulted, said that if Kari were alive when Matt said he left the house, her body would not be cold to the touch-as both Matt and a paramedic reported. 'Being cold in an hour is non-existent. Unless you’re killed in the Arctic or in an icebox,' he said.'

Quoting from the arrest affidavit:

'Your Affiant is aware that Dr. David Stafford of Memphis, Tennessee, has reviewed the evidence in this investigation. Dr. Stafford was the Director of Toxicology for the University Of Tennessee Medical School. Dr. Stafford has determined that if Kari Baker had ingested enough Ambien or Unisom to cause her death, it could not have taken place in the time frame given by The Defendant to police. Dr. Stafford believes it would have taken at least an hour or more longer than the time frame explained.'

Also from the arrest affidavit:

'Your Affiant is also aware that Tom Bevel of Norman, Oklahoma, has reviewed the evidence in this investigation. Mr. Bevel is a well-known expert on homicides and homicide investigation and a published authority on numerous subjects including crime scene investigation. Mr. Bevel claimed that he believed that Kari Baker was not nude at the time of her death as the Defendant described. Mr. Bevel believed that Kari Baker’s panties were put on by her, not someone (else,) after her death. Your Affiant believes that the Defendant may have told the story that Kari Baker was nude to provide a reason for her body to be cold to the touch. Also, Mr. Bevel believed that lividity could not have begun and become set in the time frame given by the Defendant. Mr. Bevel believed that it would have taken much longer for the body to become cold and lividity to set.'

Points to ponder. "

Indeed, Peggy. Indeed.

Coupla comments on the Trib...

Seems that the In Cold Blog blog is drawing a lot of comments. Very interesting. Very telling in some cases.

Anyway, I read these two comments left yesterday and today on the WacoTrib.com article. Just sharing.

Interested Person - May 21, 2008 - 9:17pm

"In Cold Blog is a new blog site that Erin Morarity is hosting. Thought maybe some of you would like to see how that is bringing out more facts in this case. Erin was the news correspondent on 48Hrs. She took the story one direction, but after reading some of the comments, looks like everyone did not appreciate her one-sidedness? I think she is a good correspondent when she is not listening to only one side. Guess time will let us know whether that is true. She is an attorney, so I find it a surprise that she has made some of the comments she has made. Wonder if Matt's attorney is deciding how to bring case against her and 48Hrs. If I was his attorney I would. Yes, I have read that some think the attorney has been putting on a 'dog and pony show'. Wonder what it is called when Charlie (Bill Johnston) and the Charlie Angels are putting on their show. Don't see any of them as ponies."

Peggy - May 22, 2008 - 6:52am

"Interested Person: Erin Moriarty and 48 Hours did not just listen to one side. Ask Matt (or yourself) how many, many hours their team spent with his side. It's not listening to just one side. It's listening to both sides and drawing a conclusion based on observations and investigations. You're surprised at some of the comments she made? Which ones? Just because you don't like their conclusions doesn't mean anything. Sue them? That's a joke. What are your precise allegations? What exact word or moment in the show are you referring to? Because you have to be specific in Court. What laws did 48 Hours break? Personally, I don't know how you found the time to make this comment here. You've been ever so busy making anonymous comments on the In Cold Blog one. Busy times, man. Busy times."

Peggy, whoever you are....stick around. I couldn't agree more.

In Cold Blog...

In Cold Blog is a very interesting and busy blog with various contributors in the true crime arena. Today's featured writer is 48 Hours' Erin Moriarty and she discusses a few of her thoughts on the Baker case:


"It is a tragic situation that could have been avoided if a couple of police officers and a Justice of the Peace had just asked a few more questions instead of jumping to a conclusion on that April night two years ago."

Click here to read her post in its entirety.

A few more support stickers

Thank you Northlake Baptist Church....



Thank you Crossroads Baptist Church....

Comments from Waco Trib

Yesterday in the 48 Hours thread, someone left this comment:

"Anonymous said...
There is an interesting narrative today from one of Matt's former church members in Hewitt. You will find it by going to the comment section of the Waco Trib article about Matt's fund-raiser letter, located below. It is very telling, and the folks who think Matt is being unfairly portrayed in all of this should read it. He appears to have two personalities!"

I looked back at the comments in the Waco Trib and found two separate comments that fit that description:

"By church member - May 14, 2008 7:13 PM I was around at this time. I am a member of the church where matt preached and I saw first hand what the Dulins did and how they were treated. We heard matt talk and we heard how he disparaged the Dulins and kari (yes, he had the nerve to even say terrible things about his dead wife to us). The Dulins reached out to matt and the girls in every way they could. He allowed them to keep the girls on sunday afternoons because he needed a baby sitter. however, he stopped that very quickly. He even began pretending the girls were sick on Sunday and asking other church people (he wouldn't let the Dulins) to babysit them. He wanted to keep them away form their grandparents, so he kept them out of church. People in the church were very uncomfortable with his behavior. The Dulins offered to help him pick-up the girls from school, get him a housekeeper, and bring food. He didn't want anything to do with them from the very beginning. He was hightailing it over to Troy every chance he could get and he didn't want the girls around the Dulins. They might talk. Be very careful. It appears you don't live in our area or you would know that who Matt pretends to be in Kerrville isn't who he really is. We witnessed it all. We know."

AND

"By null - May 14, 2008 11:27 PM I too was in the congegation before and after Kari died. Matt went so far as to make comments comparing how fast he was back to preaching and it was for the love of his congregation. He recalled only missing one Sunday when Kassidy died and compared it to the one Sunday he missed for the visitation of his dead wife. What I recall is the lack of grief in his eyes. It just didn't seem right. Looking back maybe it was relief in his eyes. Matt manipulated his flock and he continues to manipulate the people of Kerrville. Don't give this man a single cent of your money. Instead, send it to the Dulins to help fund their endeavor to provide Justice for Kari. Not once have you heard them ask for money due to the financial burdon this brings upon them."

Computer Issues

In an effort to try to do some explaining about the computer question raised in a comment under the 48 Hours post, an anonymous commentor C&P'd a portion of an interview published in the Waco Trib back in December of 2007. I won't post it all here because it's lengthy. I don't think this Q&A is still available on the WacoTrib.com site. But if you want to see what was sent to me, email me and I'll send it to you.

Anyway, I appreciate your time and effort and research on this. But I don't think the report on 48 Hours said the home computer mysteriously disappeared. The report said the hard drive on that one crashed. The computer from his work is the one that mysteriously disappeared. Now, if you can find an article or interview stating where THAT is, I'd love to see it. Authorities would love to see it.

Couple of New Memories Shared.....

These two people left memories in the Come Share a Memory comments. I like to bring these to the top to share with everyone.

"Matt Baker was a pastor at my church several years ago - North Lake Baptist church - and I got to know both Matt, Kari, and their wonderful little girls. I taught during sunday school on several occassions and had their oldest in the class. Kari was always smiling and had some much wonderful things to say. She also taught a series by Beth Moore and had us ladies learn so much during her lessons. She also spoke about Cassie and how God had given her Gracie, not as a replacement, but as a wonderful gift. She said that initially she did not think that God would take her little girl because she was different, she was a Christian, but it happened and sometimes bad things happen to Christians. It was hard getting through this and she still misses her, but she had grown through this experience and I think by her going through that - it made her appreciate life and her family.

I could NEVER imagine that Kari would have done something like this. Actually, I did not even know about this new information until this past weekend when my mom said she saw matt on tv giving an interview and how guilty he looked.Kari was the type that would give you her shirt off her back. I remember when I told her that I was going back to school to be an elementary school teacher, she said that she wished she could give me her degree so I wouldn't have to take all the classes.

Kari was a beautiful person inside and out!!! We will miss you!!!!"

and another....

"Hi, my name is Valerie and I knew Kari from when they were at Northlake Baptist Church in Dallas, Tx. I always thought she was the sweetest lady. Always willing to lend a helping hand and I could tell she just adored her two little girls.

When I heard about what happened I was shocked beyond belief. Kari would never do that I thought! I hope justice is served to Matt..."

48 Hours

CBS/48 Hours has placed the episode on their website. You can click on the link below to watch it in its' entirety.

The Preacher's Wife

Wow!

The volume of supportive emails after last night's 48 Hours show is amazing...humbling...and precious. I will respond to them ASAP. (I'm in between kids coming in from outside and showers and reading before bedtime.) I will also forward some of them to the proper channels. What a blessing you all are!

God bless! And Happy Mother's Day to you all.......however you spend it. With your healthy, jubilant Mother. With your sick Mother. With your cranky, onery Mother.

Or without your mother. Mothers that are sorta here and sorta not. Mothers that want to be here but can't. Mothers that went Home long ago. Mothers that went Home 2 weeks ago exactly. Mothers that went Home yesterday. Mothers that went home before.......well, before they were supposed to.

God bless all our Mothers. God bless Kari's Mother, Linda.....who has the perfect name for this day. Beautiful. Courageous and fighting.......and oh so beautiful Mom.

Waco Trib article today...

Matt Baker soliciting funds for civil suit battle over wife's death


I have more to say and quote from this article than I have time this morning. Just wanted to put the link up for those that might want to read it. I'll check back in later.

* Notice on the left-hand side on the online article they have posted links to previous Waco Trib articles on this case. Very handy for those that have missed some.

More on 48 Hours

From the website of CBS and 48 Hours:

"The dark side of a Baptist preacher is exposed after the sudden death of his young wife - was someone playing God?"
Read more....

"Did this bright young loving mother really take her own life?
Or, did her preacher husband commit the ultimate sin?
48 Hours correspondent Erin Moriarty sits down with Kari’s family and her mother, Linda, who opens up for the first time on television, this Saturday, May 10, at 10 p.m. ET/PT."
(9:00 Texas time)

48 Hours

48 Hours is finally upon us. I know that all sides of the case have been interviewing and working with 48 Hours for months. My first contact with the producers was back in December of 2007....and I know that they had been talking with the key people of interest in this case even before that. I know it's been a long road and lots of emotions for everyone. Baring one's heart and soul on national television in the hopes of the grand results helping everyone move closer to receiving the justice they deserve isn't easy or comfortable or flippant. It's heartwrenching.

Well, now it's time to see what the good folks with CBS and 48 Hours have compiled from their hours, days, weeks and months of research and interviews. Having met with Erin Moriarty and the producers myself, I find them incredibly fascinating. They really love their job, are very interested in the case and they are a top-notch bunch. I think we all look forward to their compilation of work. The show airs Saturday, May 10, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. (That's 9:00 for Texas)

Take a minute to view the following video clip of Erin's thoughts on the case.
(Before watching - scroll down to the bottom of this page and pause or stop the music so you can hear the audio on the videos below)




Moriarty's Reporter's Notebook - Erin Moriarty talks about her upcoming report on Matt and Kari Baker. After Kari died, Matt - a preacher - found himself accused of murder.

More later....

The Letter

Well, not everyone in Kerrville (as I understand not even close to everyone) buys into the convoluted, ever-changing stories provided by Mr. Baker. One of the Kerrville folks I've "met" recently sent me a copy of a letter beginning to make its rounds around town where Matt continues to mangle the truth and continues to disparage the Mother of his children.....all in an effort to ask for money to fund his defense in the upcoming civil trial for the wrongful death of his wife. And while I won't publish the entire letter, I do need to include a few lines that need correcting.

"As most of you have read or heard, the District Attorney of McLennan County dropped ALL criminal charges against me (Matt), due to significant lack of evidence."

Not so fast. Here's what the DA's office says about this matter:
(From the March 26, 2008 Waco Trib)
McLennan County District Attorney John Segrest said the murder charge against Matt Baker stands, but his office agreed to an order issued Tuesday that required a refund of the $200,000 bond used to secure Baker's release from jail in October. "It was an act based solely on the passage of time," Segrest said. "It does not dispose of the criminal charges in the least. Those matters are still under consideration by this office."

Mr. Baker, it appears your statement was less than truthful. You received your bond money back because of the "passage of time" and not because of "significant lack of evidence." I also personally called the DA's office and got this information first hand. This "posse" is still ridin'.

"The Dulins continue to slander my name and publicly acknowledge that they will stop at nothing to see this go to trial."

They filed a civil wrongful death suit. The case will go to trial. It wasn't necessary for them to say they would "stop at nothing." Moot point. Done deal. Over and out. You want to talk about slander?!?!?! At least you're alive to defend yourself.

".....and after two years of searching that included exhumation of my wife's body, a Medical Examiner's autopsy showing NOTHING externally caused her death, and the finding of long-term multiple drug use evident in her tissue, they still continue to blame me and cause pain to my family."

Check the arrest affidavit: “Your Affiant has seen an abrasion that is evident on Kari Baker’s nose in the crime scene photographs. There is also the appearance of bruising to Kari Baker’s lips. Your Affiant believes that these wounds are consistent with what would happen if a pillow or another similar object were placed over someone’s face to suffocate them. Your Affiant is aware that there were pillows, including what appears to be a course-woven pillow, in the room where Kari Baker’s body was found.”

This information didn’t come from the autopsy. It came from the crime scene, according to the arrest affidavit. The body was exhumed a month after Kari’s death. Of course, the medical examiner couldn’t make any observations about those particular external features a month after her death. That is all I will say about that!

Mr. Baker says Kari was taking multiple drugs long-term.....that needs repeating.....Mr. Baker says Kari was taking multiple drugs long-term. His invention. Not stated any where else. I have the autopsy in my hand.

Continue to blame you? The evidence is pretty compelling. It is evidence that will decide your fate, Mr. Baker. The Dulins never wanted to believe you were capable of such an act. However, when it became impossible for them to ignore the forensic and other evidence, they were forced to move.

As for causing you pain, well, do you really want to go there, Mr. Baker?

"My family has been told that a quality defense may cost up to $100,000. And attorney can start my defense for a large portion of the total amount. As time progresses more may/will be needed." "As this injustice against me and my family continues our hope rests in your hands. First through prayers and then by any monetary gift that you feel God leads you to share."

I just find this sickening. If only I could say what really needs to be said here. Holding my tongue publicly. Invoking the name of God as you panhandle. Well, may God bless every single cent donated to help fight for and find the truth and the justice that everyone deserves in this case. Everyone.

Mr. Baker has always claimed that he shields and protects his girls from all of this. Well, the video news footage and the video interviews, pictures in the paper left and right and now this. He has both of those young girls sign this letter....this letter that continues to try to denigrate and disparage his wife and their Mother. Their tiny little signatures are hard to look at....but not for the reasons that Matt planted them there. Because of the continued exploitation of innocence.....this time for money.

Included with this letter was a copy of the HCC Journal. Oh, Lord....as for the fiction that flows from this "newspaper/journal," well.....don't even get me started.

One of those moments.....

Each year the teachers are given a Panther Profile questionnaire to fill out with their birthday, family information, favorite things, hobbies and the like. This is very handy when it comes time to celebrate with your teacher. ;)

Well, last night a friend of mine that is also a Spring Valley parent wanted to call me about something related to this case. She didn't have my phone number handy so she found an old school directory and was looking for it. Lo and behold, guess what fell out of the directory right then and there.....

Things that make you go "hmmmmmm..........."