Bringing to the top an old post from November '07

I just thought it might be a good time to bring up this old post .
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"God alone has the power to judge eternal judgement and/or final condemnation. But God commands believers to test, prove, judge and discern what is true and what is right and wrong. We are not to judge the hearts and intents of man, but we are to judge actions and discern right from wrong. The word 'judge' (Greek-krino) is used over 80 times in the New Testament and it means to call in question, discern, conclude, decree and determine." (letusreason.org - I don't know this organization but I liked the way this was worded so I used it.)

John 7:24, Hebrews 5:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Matthew 18:16, and 1 Thessalonians 5:21 as a start. The Bible is very clear and strong on this point. Take a few minutes to follow these two links and read the articles.

Good Question: Who are we to Judge? (by B. Larson on ChristianityToday.com)

Common sense suggests that if no one ever judged other people, there would be no real human community. In a sinful world, no community can exist for long where nobody is ever held accountable: no teacher would grade a student's performance; no citizen would sit on a jury or call a failed leader to account. And, when you come to think of it, nobody would ever forgive anyone for wrongs he had done; we only forgive people for what we blame them, and we blame them only after we have judged them.

Is it right to judge others? (Good article by M. Randall)

Today it seems the most often quoted Bible verse is Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, that ye be not judged." Some use it without realizing its true meaning and others, Christian and non Christians, use it to avoid accountability. Hypocrites for example would use it to avoid being challenged in their wrong doing. What does this verse really mean? Does this verse teach that we cannot judge others?

If someone believes there is good evidence and belief that someone commits a crime such as murder, they are not to just sit by and do and think nothing. They are to deliver the alleged offender to the authorities and prove, test and discern. This is what our criminal justice system is for. Surely no one wants to do away with the Courts and trials of all kinds because they are afraid to judge right from wrong and to free the righteous and rebuke and punish the evildoer. I do not and will not ever judge Matt's soul. If he did this and it's proved he did this beyond a shadow of a doubt, I pray that he repents and earnestly seeks God's forgiveness and receives it. I don't want him to go to hell. I am not trying to condemn him at all. And if he's innocent, what a wonderful relief and joyous day it will be when all this is officially put behind him. But this case needs to be tried. The truth deserves to come out. Don't we all want that?


Responding to whoever wrote responding that they agreed with me totally but....
I don't think that my postings and/or comments are evil in the least. I do feel passionately and probably come across that way a lot. I won't apologize for that. Until I see/hear evidence conflicting my opinions, I do not think/believe Kari took her own life. I don't think Kari "chose to leave her girls." It's a gut wrenching subject matter we're discussing and feelings and passions are heated. It's human nature. I've time and time again said I'm not condemning anyone. Not my job. But I am commanded by God to test and discern what is right and wrong and stand on the side of right....to pray....and let God work his plan. In this day and age and with my affinity to the internet and information and communication, I chose to start a blog with the links and information on this case. I never dreamed anyone besides me and a few of my friends and family would ever even see this. I really never dreamed that both family and friends of Matt's and Kari's would come here at all...especially with the frequency and number of hits each day that this blog is getting. Someone complained that this blog is too one-sided on Kari's behalf. Well, it is my blog. I post the news reports and I post my reactions to those reports, my thoughts and my memories. I'm not sitting on the fence on this and neither should my output. If you agree with me and find solace here, check back and keep in touch. If you don't agree with me and this blog just irritates the fire out of you.....I don't mean this rudely at all.....but you don't have to check back and keep in touch. Don't put more irritation into your life than you have already.

With such a passionate and intense subject matter as this, you would expect feelings and opinions to be expressed. Mine...and those commenting to mine and/or others. Yes, sometimes they are calm and sometimes they are more heated. But I don't find my posts or comments evil.

A few of my favorite quotes sum it up:

All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing. ~Edmund Burke

He who does not punish evil, commands it to be done. ~Leonardo da Vinci

When good people in any country cease their vigilance and struggle, then evil men prevail. ~Pearl S. Buck

The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing. ~Albert Einstein

Be honest in your judgment and do not decide at a glance (superficially and by appearances); but judge fairly and righteously. ~God


We just need to examine the evidence so we can properly (not superfically) once and for all determine in this case.

The "Suicide" Note

Matt

I am so sorry. I am so tired. I just want to sleep for a while. Please forgive me. Tell Kensi and Grace that I love them VERY much. Tell my mom and dad that I love them to. I love you Matt — I am so sorry for the past few weeks. I want to give Kassidy a hug. I need to feel her again. Please continue to be the great Dad to our little girls. Love them every day for me.

I am sorry. I love you.

Kari

Yup, that's it. That's the note Matt claims Kari typed up before she took her own life and left her girls, entire family, students and friends forever and ever, Amen. You gotta be kidding me!?! I got more descriptive and lengthy notations than that from Kari sent home on my son's homework papers. Kari was such a passionate and lively, loving woman. I heard her talk about her girls. I saw her adoration for them with my own eyes. If she was planning on leaving this earth, she would not have left this staccato, disconnected, robotic (with a misspelling) note as her legacy. Never. Not to mention this: If you had come to realize recently that your husband was having an affair and possibly trying to kill you....would you make the focus of your note how much you love HIM, thanking HIM for being such a great Dad to your daughters, apologizing to HIM twice and asking HIM for forgiveness? It is so obvious that a woman did not write this note. It's a complete farce.

The note has been posted on another blog that I found a few months ago. It's a fascinating blog called Eyes for Lies. I know many of you have already found this blog because I've gotten numerous emails from people wanting to make sure I was aware of it. This woman is "dead on" with her observations.

When I read Kari's suicide note (shown in the post below) for the very first time, I was immediately struck by how short the note was, the lack of an explanation as to why she was committing suicide, the lack of feelings that would normally be expressed by a woman, and the statement "I just want to sleep for a while".

The statement "I just want to sleep for a while" is a statement that you might hear if someone is in denial, or can't face the consequences of what they are considering doing. It is something someone might say to another if they are contemplating suicide, but can't face it, or say it.

If one is in denial about committing suicide, and acts on an impulse to kill themselves (like jump over a bridge), you won't find a suicide note left behind because in their denial they wouldn't be able to sit down, and write their good-byes.

But if one leaves a note, we can be sure the person was well thought out in their decision to leave us, and had accepted the outcome, and there was no denial. With that, I would expect direct verbiage in a suicide note that the person is finished, doesn't want to go on, doesn't want to live anymore in some form or fashion. I would not expect a person to write a denial statement like we see in Kari's note. One who commits suicide doesn't go to "sleep for a while". To me, these words suggest a big contradiction in behavior that is not logical given the circumstances.

Click here to read the rest of her analysis.

And I want to highlight a comment left on that blog because I think this person is quite astute in their thoughts about this note as well.

As usual, Eyes, you have nailed a crucial discrepancy. You are incredible. You are so amazing and yet so dependable!

This was the first thing that jumped out at me, too: "I just want to sleep for a while." Why apologize so much ("I am so sorry," "I am sorry," Please forgive me") if your stated intention in taking a bottle of sleeping pills (pills which for some reason won't be found in your stomach at your autopsy) is merely to sleep "for awhile" because you are "so tired?"

And why does this note begin by giving the motive of being "so tired" and wanting "to sleep for a while?" when it becomes clear a couple of sentence later that the writer obviously actually intends for the motive to appear to be an obsessive, implacable, desperate desire to be with her child who died seven years before? The other thing that rings so terribly false about this note for me is how badly it fails at expressing a mother's heart towards her children, both living and dead.

Matt would have us believe that Kari's unrelenting anguish about Kassidy's death had brought her to the point of being willing to abdicate her love and obligation to her two living daughters, by deliberately choosing to leave them forever bereft of their mother; her beautiful living daughters (daughters whom she could "feel" and "give a hug" any time she wanted); all for the uncertain, dubious chance to do so with Kassidy again. Does this sound even remotely plausible?

As any mother can tell you, knowing the pain of losing one child would make a woman keenly aware of the unbearable pain her living children would be left with, if either parent were to die suddenly. She would simply not be likely to do that to them. She would be even less likely to leave them no other legacy than the (typed, not handwritten!) words, "Tell [them] I love them VERY much." -- Gee, Mom, thanks for going to all the trouble to hold down the shift key while you typed the word "very." That so makes up for the devastating pain of losing you suddenly and being abandoned by you for the rest of our lives!

If Kari's desperation to be reunited with Kassidy forever -- leaving aside for now what her actual religious beliefs may have been on this score -- was a motive for killing herself, wouldn't her note have contained much more passionate language regarding this hoped-for eternal reunion, than the lame, "I want to give Kassidy a hug. I need to feel her again?" "Give her a hug?" A mother longing to see her baby would be much more likely to express the intense longing to "hold her close to me, hold her in my arms, hold her to my heart," or just "hold her." Forgive me for possibly sounding insensitive, but the concept of giving someone a hug -- seems far too remote and mild to be the goal of a desperate,obsessed mother about to take her own life, in my opinion.

And, this is harder to explain, but "I need to feel her again" is an expression of what the grown-up; the parent; wants. Once again setting aside what Kari's religious beliefs may have been regarding physical bodies in the hereafter -- she "needs" to have physical contact with her long-lost baby daughter. It seems vaguely
self-centered somehow. Wouldn't the mother's thoughts be more along the lines of the baby's being alone and motherless, and needing the comfort and presence of the mother? As in "I want to go to Kassidy and comfort her and never leave her?"
or at least "be with her forever" or something like that?The child had experienced so much pain and suffering and fear in her short life on earth. Wouldn't the mother have alluded to the joy and lack of suffering in the afterlife?

And why leave it to Matt to "tell my mom and dad that I love them to (sic)?" Why not just address them directly in your note: "Mom and Dad, I love you?"Did you notice that the note says "my mom and dad," rather than "Mom and Dad?" In Matt's mind, he would be "Dad (with a capital D)," and Kari's parents would be "your mom and dad," or "her mom and dad."

And didn't one of the stories mention Kari having a brother that she loved dearly? What about grandparents? Friends? Her beloved students from school? Sunday school students? etc? Why isn't anyone else mentioned in this note?Could it be because it was written by a shallow, emotionless sociopath, instead of a devoted, admirable young mother and wife?

As other have pointed out, the focus of the note is almost entirely upon Matt. Did you notice this: There is one single "I love them" for the two little girls to share between them for the rest of their lives. There is one single "I love them to" for her two parents to share between them for the rest of their lives. There are no "I love you's" at all to anyone else in Kari's life, but --Matt somehow rates *two* "I love you's" all to himself in this note! . . . Along with an apology for "the past few weeks" and all the other sorry's and forgive me. Sorry for what? For becoming suspicious that he was having an affair? For wanting him to care about her? For suffering from acute anxiety and distress because she didn't know if their marriage -- which he was destroying -- could be salvaged or not? For suspecting he was planning to kill her? For catching a glimpse of the wolf in sheep's clothing?

Justice. Kari and her family need for the wheels of justice to start turning, pick up some momentum, and set its unwavering, God-driven course for Matt Baker.Full speed ahead.

And On the very day she sailed through an interview for a better job, an opportunity she had expressed hope and excitement about?

~Sadie

Just more points to ponder.

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..........."

What does that little sticker mean to you?

In response to this uncouth comment left April 24th at 7:24PM in Another...:

Anonymous said...
Wow, another sticker on the back of a dirty bumper. For your sake I'm glad you are giving these away because if you were trying to make a living selling them, you would starve to death.

I got this wonderful, very well expressed comment today:

I guess that first anonymous commenter has a point. What can a blue "Justice for Kari" bumper sticker on a dirty bumper do?

I want to say it speaks for Kari, but there are many things that the sticker on my bumper cannot say. It can't tell two sweet girls how much their mother loved them. Nor can it tell them that having known how much it hurts to lose a precious loved one, Kari would never have left them on purpose. It can't tell us what really happened on the night of April 7 two years ago. It can't say why Kari thought her husband was having an affair or why she thought he might want to kill her. That sticker can't explain why Matt's recent descriptions of Kari's character and mental health are completely contradictory to what others who knew her saw with their own eyes. That sticker cannot explain why there are so many documented accusations of sexual misconduct in Matt Baker's past or why he was never held accountable for any of them.

That sticker can't ask Matt why the only friend he could find to comfort him in his "grief" over the loss of "the love of his life" was a young recently divorced woman who he was supposed to be ministering to. Where were all his guy friends? Did he have any?

No, that bumper sticker can't tell us what happened to the computers, the printer, or the crushed pills. It cannot explain why a loving father would put his girls in the middle of publicity storm or malign the character of their mother.

It can't tell the Dulins "Thanks for never giving up on me. Thanks for asking hard questions and seeking the truth for me, no matter what the cost to you," as I believe Kari would. That sticker can’t bring Kari back to her Mom.

However, that bumper sticker speaks volumes. It tells the Dulins that they are not alone. In a very public way it says, “I believe that justice is still possible.” It tells a community that there is unfinished business that will not be forgotten. It begs a DA to do his job and seek justice for one who is no longer able to seek it for herself. It warns those who think they can get away with evil that there are good people who will fight for justice just because it is the right thing to do.

That bumper sticker was not made to create financial gain.It was made to ask those who can to please do all that is within their power to bring this case to trial and let justice prevail. I consider that blue bumper sticker to be a badge of honor and it will stay on my dirty mini-van’s bumper until we finally have JUSTICE FOR KARI!

This needs a HECK YEAH, or an AMEN or BOTH! Thank you SG.

Thanks, B!

Comment from this morning...

The following comment was received under the "Another" post this morning. I wanted to bring it out in a post so that it wouldn't get missed.

The Dulins will NEVER give up. They fight for the welfare of two little girls who have been heartlessly told that their mother did not love them as much as she loved their little sister. They fight because the TRUTH must be told, and ultimately, those girls will have to know it. Kensi and Grace need to know their mother did not choose to leave them! The Dulins see the pursuit of that truth as the final thing they can do for Kari--a continued and unequivocal committment to the children she loved and adored and would never have abandoned. NEVER.

Contrary to the hateful remarks Matt and his mother have made in the press, Kari's parents are not vengeful people. They are calm, soft-spoken, generous--and very, very smart. They absolutely love their grandchildren more than anything, and they are rightly concerned for their well-being and mental health. They DO NOT disparage Matt to those little girls, regardless of statements to the contrary by the Bakers. They fully understand that those children love their dad and believe in his innocence, and they do not attempt to take that belief from them by discussing the case in their presence. Not ever.

Sadly, Matt and his mother do not respect the girls enough to allow them to love and be loved by Linda and Jim without guilt attached. Just read the remarks those two have made to the media, and that point becomes painfully obvious. There is no apparent effort to shield the girls from publicity, either. On the contrary, they are used as "props" when the pity-seeking father gives interviews.

I have been in the Dulin's company many times, and they have never once spoken of wanting vengeance. They pursue justice in the courts because they have put together enough information from a myriad of sources that speaks loudly of Matt's guilt. It cannot be ignored, and evidence continues to grow as the investigation gains momentum.

No, you have no need to worry, Anonymous Poster. The Dulins will not be leaving the fight. They will always seek justice for Kari, and we can pray that it comes soon.

Thanks!

Thanks Florida!

Another....

Hello, While I never knew Kari I do know her mother. My heart just aches for her loss and truthfully I don’t know how she continues. But I know she does so that she can offer strength and love for those left behind, especially for Kari’s children. My mother and I both are proudly declaring our support for Kari and her family. May justice be the end result!
Blessings, Kristi
*email posted with permission

Thanks so much! I know it's sometimes hard to get these pics to me but I really appreciate those of you that have been able to do so. I've had several people say they are starting to see them out and about...including someone from the Waco Trib. The word of this support is getting more and more obvious.

Thanks again everyone!!

Letter to the Editor

Found this morning in the Letters to the Editor - WacoTrib.com:

Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Baker’s unfair break

I am astounded that charges against Matt Baker for the murder of his wife Kari Baker have been dropped. District Attorney John Segrest claims his decision was “an act based solely on the passage of time.”

So, are we to believe that the problem wasn’t lack of evidence — it was that they didn’t investigate? Never mind that the arrest affidavit and other media sources substantiate that Baker’s story is full of incongruencies. Who cares that the forensics evidence, stolen computer and Internet searches all add more suspicions surrounding this death?

The district attorney’s office must respond to crimes in a vigorous and timely manner. I am glad Kari’s kin have a civil option in this case. And it is fortunate there is no statute of limitations on murder.

We need a DA who fights for victims. I hope someone will run against Segrest when it’s time for re-election.

Stephanie Leblanc

Thanks!

Three more pics sent in. Thanks, guys. Let me know if you want more. The wonderful woman who ordered these is looking forward to "needing" to order another box.
* I gave 3 stickers to one person over the weekend and she made the joke that between her vehicle and the friends she gave the others to, that they all had vehicles way similar in color.

And thanks to those who sent SASE's last week. I got a bunch out yesterday to the post office....they'll go out in the first load early afternoon.

One from the Dallas area....

Thanks

I'll bring you 10 more tomorrow.

More Support...

3 more pictures sent to me today. Thanks!! I had a request for 10 stickers yesterday, dropped 1 off down the street a few minutes ago, dropping 12-15 off at a church tomorrow and meeting 3 friends while out to give them theirs....oh, and mailed 1 yesterday and 2 today.

One more!

More proof that no man is an island.....

Kim is another friend of Kari's and fellow teacher from Spring Valley at the time Kari was there. I noticed she recently posted on her blog about last week being the 2 year anniversary of Kari's death. She also commented here about being at the cemetery at the very time that I was there looking for Kari and just as Kari's parents were leaving....and all of us just missing each other.

With permission, I am sharing part of her blog posting here:

"Last week marked the 2 year anniversary of the death of my good friend Kari. In fact, it was Tuesday, the day of the math TAKS test so I had alot of time on my hands to recount every minute of my day when the calling tree was enacted. It is amazing that I remember the events of that day like it was yesterday but I scarcely recall yesterday. I remember being so upset and shocked that she was gone, that I couldn't make the next phone call. I had to tell the teacher who called me to make my call. The events that followed are now national news so there is no need to recount......

Moving on....after everything and the roller coaster of emotions relating to the events of Kari's death, I have come to the point where I think can move on. So much so that I purchased a new Bible to replace the one I can't find. Jamie and I are going to dinner with the pastor and his wife of the church where we are members. Maybe by summer, we will be back at church."

The actions of that day touched more people than Matt could ever realize. Countless people knew and loved Kari. Countless people grieved so hard that it was difficult to move sometimes in the following days. Countless people still miss Kari. And countless, countless, countless people know Kari and know that she did not take her own life. And soon the remaining few that are hell bent on Matt's innocence will know the truth as well. And I pray for everyone involved. Prayers for strength for Kari's family to keep on keeping on and prayers for Matt's family when it's time to face the truth.

JUSTICE FOR KARI

A couple of weeks ago I asked Kari's family if it would be okay if I ordered some bumper stickers or something......Found out a sweet friend of the family was already on it. THANK YOU!

If you would like "JUSTICE FOR KARI," just let me know. I have been given a P.O.Box address that you can send a self-addressed-stamped-envelope to and they will quickly send you your own sticker.....to be displayed prominently wherever you choose. Let me just say....these are cool stickers. They are "Zip-Strips" which are self-adhesive AND removable. Trust me....took me a few times to get it straight tonight and it was very easy to take off and re-affix.

Anyway, here's mine and another one I caught sight of today.....

You can send your SASE to:
Justice For Kari
P.O. Box 1536
Hewitt, TX 76643
It will be folded in half, but it should come out fine. Also, if you see me out and about, I will keep some in my vehicle and you can get them from me.
* Please email me a pic of your displayed sticker. ;)

A few pics sent to me today...

2 Sweet Memories...

Two sweet memories were left today that I would like to highlight.

My name is Tina Turk Billiet and I went to High School with Kari her freshman and sophomore years in Gatesville. Kari and I went to church together as well. My father was her pastor. I have many memories of Kari and all of them are of how enegetic and fun she was. I, as well as everyone who has written their memory, also feel very strongly that her death was not by her own hand. It's just a feeling but a very strong one at that.

The memory i have to share is one that involved a youth trip that we took with our church. There were only a couple of us that went on this trip, and that's what made it so fun. We ended up staying in the fellowship hall of a church in Ft. Worth, Tx. It was just for the weekend. Our youth pastor's father was a pastorof this church. The fellowship hall led into the huge sanctuary and we had access to it. One night we were soooo bored that we decided to go exploring. The sunday school rooms were in a basement underneath the sanctuary. The building was built pretty interesting. Well, as you can imagine the entire place was completely dark. We couldn't even see our own hands in front of our faces. After we explored the basement, we ended up in the sanctuary. And that was dark as well. However, we did have the advantage of the red glowing exit's signs on either side of the platform. We decided that it would be a great idea if we all played hide and seek. No we were not babies but I know I felt like one after a couple of minutes of playing the game. Yes, I was a complete wimp. There were only 2 guys with us and the rest were girls, Kari included. Now, if you have ever played this kind of game in a dark sanctuary then you know how scary it could be, especially with 2 guys determined to scare the complete devil out of you. I destincly remember hiding under the sound board for the sound system of the church. This was in the balcony. Yes, this church was that big. Like I said it was in Ft. Worth. With me under the sound board was Kari and another girl that was with us. We were all squashed in there like sardine's and we were all completely soaked with sweat. You really get to know someone real well in that kind situation. All 3 of us did not care because we all had the mind set of not getting caught by one of the guys. That was there mission of course and we were determined not to let them get the best of us. We all know that it's always girls against boys, especially during that time of our lives. I can't remember exactly who won the game but i do remember the 3 of us trying to communicate to one another through sign language. We were trying so hard not to talk and that was very hard for us. Kari kept laughing and it seemed very hard for her to keep quiet. I kept trying to keep her quiet because I did not want to get the you know what scared out of me and I did not want to let the guys win. They had a way of gloating about it when they did get us. this memory was not neccessarily spectacular but it is a memory.

And now, more than ever I am very glad I have it. I have read most of the memories on this web site and I am so thrilled that Kari has touched so many lives. She was a very special and beautiful person. When I last saw her, it was my 10 year high school reunion in Gatesville, at a football game. There were tons of people around and I didn't even see her. The next thing I know my name was being yelled and when I turned around I saw her. I went over to hug her and be introduced to Matt and her oldest daughter. Her daughter was about 2 at the time. I remember this very well because she was literally crawling all over Kari. We started a conversation up and it involved Kari telling me that I was wasting my time on a guy I was dating that we both knew. Looking back, I never dreamed that my last conversation with her would be of her counseling me about some guy. I wish I could go back and replay that conversation and learn more about her life as it was. But in life, we don't get those opportunities. And in hindsight, we wish we could go back.

Kari was your basic enthusiastic, beautiful, encouraging, life loving, devoted and inspiring friend. I feel very blessed to have kinown her, as well as I look forward to seeing her again some day. It breaks my heart to know the kind of pain that she suffered. She never deserved any of it. However, I take comfort in knowing that she is not suffering now. She is now with the one and only man who always loved her so completely and so purely. She is now with Jesus Christ and I know without a doubt that He is holding her close. There is no pain for her now. There is only peace and love, something we all need in this life. And something we, who are left behind, can hold onto. I do hope justice is served, mainly for Kari's girls sake and for Kari's family.
Take care and God Bless. Tina

AND...

I babystitted Kari and Adam for many years. She was a wonderful young woman who to me was the epitome of what a strong, good hearted woman should be, even at a young age. We stayed the summer in Lubbock and we three bonded in that little apartment while Mrs. Dulin was working on her master's. Kari and Adam were why I always wanted to have children. It is very hearbreaking to hear about this and to see the family go through this. Kari, you will always be in my heart. Mrs. Dulin, Jim, Adam, and Kari's children, you all are in my deepest prayers. God
bless you and give you strength. Know that you will meet again in a better place. For now, you guys stick together and know you are so deeply loved.

Found

I found her spot. I sat the flowers to the left of her headstone and then I just sat down on the other side for a while. No words. Didn't need any. None seemed enough really. So I just sat "with her." I tried to fight the tears back...but that was a futile attempt. I've never been one to necessarily go to visit at the graves of loved ones on a regular basis. I know they are not "there." But this felt right. If anyone needs directions, feel free to email me for them.

No Man is an Island

I totally stole that title from a fellow blogger and personal friend. She used it in a post she wrote about Kari a while back and it's just a perfect title for this post where I want to share with you some of her thoughts. I checked her blog today and she had this to say:

Speaking of things you know will someday be in the national news, on Oprah or made into a Lifetime movie... I distinctly remember two years ago this last week sitting in my garage on the phone with a PTA friend. I was outside because I did not want Kolby to hear what we were saying. We were talking about the death of a teacher from Kolby's school that had occurred the day before. It had been ruled a suicide but there were LOUD grumbles and well founded suspicions that that was not the case. Things just did not seem to add up. We were talking about all the reasons why we just could not believe this woman had killed herself. "If it ever comes out that she did not do this to herself it could be some big national story like you see on Dateline... and you and I will remember this talk," we said. Well, it did. And, we do. (see former posts *here, here, here, and here) Sadly the wheels of justice turn very slowly in our little part of the world. I pray for this woman's family every night and can't imagine how hard this is for them! Another friend of mine does a GREAT job of keeping us all up to date on what is going on with this case. You can find her blog here.

*Click here to go to Stephanie's blog and view these posts. (about middle of posting)

Now a portion from her post dated 4-10-06 with the title, No Man is an Island....

No matter what the reason, two little girls woke up to bury their Mommy today. A room full of third graders went to school this morning knowing they will never see their teacher again. A team of teachers rushed to get a substitute ready to finish out the year as they battle their own emotions at loosing their friend. Administrators and counselors took their places and prayed they can help everyone through this tragedy as well as possible. Parents took their kids to school with heavy hearts and a lump in their throat. I know I have hugged my kids a lot tighter since Saturday. This just isn't supposed to happen.

No, things like this aren't supposed to happen. So many, many lives were touched, changed, scarred and permanently affected from the actions of that day. One random act of kindness touches many and it's a beautiful thing. One horrible act of malice touches many. Too many. And for too long.

Anyway, thank you Stephanie for your thoughts about Kari. I know everyone appreciates your love and support!

Found

I found her spot. I sat the flowers to the left of her headstone and then I just sat down on the other side for a while. No words. Didn't need any. None seemed enough really. So I just sat "with her." I tried to fight the tears back...but that was a futile attempt. I've never been one to necessarily go to visit at the graves of loved ones on a regular basis. I know they are not "there." But this felt right. If anyone needs directions, feel free to email me for them.