I want people to know what a great person Kari was...

I received this very heartfelt, beautiful email from a friend of Kari's today. With permission, I want to share some of it with you. It, among other memories shared here, helps paint the portrait of the precious life of Kari:

Shannon,

I have been reading your blog for a while and have wanted to write you many times but it never felt like the right time. I have known Matt and Kari since the spring of 98. At that time Matt was preaching at the church I had attended on and off. The first time I met Kari I feel in love with her. Her personality, the way she carried herself, of love of life just attracted me to her.

Yes, I had a relationship with both of them but the real relationship came from Kari. She was the "big sister" I never had. No matter what she was going through, she always had time for me. She never treated me as this little kid but as a person she cared for. After Kassidy died our youth minister left before we were suppose to go to camp. Without even hesitating Kari agreed to become our youth minister and take us to camp in Glorieta New Mexico. That trip with her, I will never forget. I really saw Kari's love for what God wanted her to do. Not many people could have put up with 15 kids, 13 of the junior high. I teach JH right now and there is no way I could have done what she did. I really got to know Kari during that trip. We talked alot about life, friends, family, and Kassidy. She knew that she would miss Kassidy always because a part of her was gone, but she understood that the Lord had a reason. She said it took her a while to come to that but she would look at Kensi and knew that she needed to take care of the precious angel she had left.

Then when she found out she was pregnant... that was funny. She came out to my car as I was getting to church and she told me she had some big news for me. She told me she was pregnant. I just looked at her because I wasn't sure if she would be happy about that or not because she said she didn't want a baby. She told me that at first she was really scared about having another child but she said it was meant to be. She told me from day one that she would call her "Grace" if it was a girl because it was by the grace of God that she was pregnant. She loved her girls oh so much. She would call me and tell me any crazy thing they did, and with Grace there was always a funny moment. She was so proud of them.

True, Kari was a hard person to crack. She, like myself, put up a wall to protect herself. We talked about this from time to time and we realized in our minds that we did this to see how bad people really wanted to get in. If you didn't care enough to try to break through the wall then maybe you didn't deserve to get inside her. Anyone who broke through and got to know Kari was never the same. I know I haven't been.

Even through our relationship started out as "preacher wife/youth" it was never just that. She became my best friend. She welcomed me into her family, trusted me with her kids, gave me a couch to lay on and vent, and a shoulder to cry on. She always wanted what was best for anyone she knew and she would do whatever she could to help that person. I had her as a youth minister and a college professor. She taught me more than she would ever know and stuff that I am just now realizing. She was my rock and I regret not telling her everything she meant to me.

When Kari died part of me died. Then when the allegations against Matt came about after I saw things with my own eyes, more of me died. I was so depressed that I almost didn't graduate college. I missed her so much. I tried to talk to someone but how could they understand what I was going through. The knock on my door the morning she died forever changed my life.

I want people to know what a great person Kari was. I want people to know that this world was such a better place with her in it. I want people to know that Kensi and Grace have so much of their mom in them. I have no doubt in my mind that they will do great things when they grow up because of their mom and what she gave them in just a short time. See Kari may be gone, but she lives everyday in those girls. Her DNA is in them and for that I know they will be ok. I want the world to know that no matter what may happen in the courts, Kari lived her life to the fullest. Understanding that life is short and don't ever regret what you could have done something about. Kari left impression on my life and I am forever grateful. I want people to know that we can make sure Kari still leaves an impact on this world by passing on what she gave us. I want people to know that Kari Lynn Baker was not only my friend, my youth minister, my teacher, but she was always so much more. She showed everyday how God used her. She lived her life for him and there couldn't have been a better person to display his great gifts to us then her. What a special angel we have in Heaven watching over us!

Jenny

Thank you, Jenny!

Judge orders Matt Baker to submit DNA

Here's Tommy's article about the hearing yesterday:

Judge orders Matt Baker to submit DNA; rejects request for grand jury records
Tommy Witherspoon
WacoTrib.com

"Former Central Texas minister Matt Baker went 0-3 in pretrial motions Friday, being forced to give a DNA sample before he left the McLennan County Courthouse without the transcript he was seeking of what his alleged former girlfriend told the grand jury last month." (read more)

Things get cheek-y....

Long...but interesting morning. The hearing ran about an hour or hour and a half late due to another trial running late in the courtroom. Matt was there with his Mom in tow. Kari's family was there. News from the Waco Tribune, KWTX and KXXV were present. We all waited outside the courtroom for a while. But once we were in, things went quickly.

Defense Motion #1: Suppress having to give DNA
DENIED

Defense Motion #2: Wanted to get their hands on Vanessa's "OMG" Grand Jury testimony
DENIED

Defense Motion #3: Wanted to get their hands on psychiatrist Lee Carter's stuff
DENIED



My layman's interpretation:

It's possible that the defense knew the DNA sample would be taken eventually. They were just banking on having to force a search warrant to get it. I have heard (not verified) that the search warrant comes with the reasons for the DNA sample. They didn't want to give it without knowing the damning tale the search warrant would reveal. If you're innocent, why worry about damning evidence?

Whatever Vanessa told the Grand Jury last month, it was damning enough to warrant immunity for herself....damning enough to warrant an IMMEDIATE indictment and arrest warrant. Maybe damning enough to warrant a DNA sample? Who knows. Even though Ellison said something about a finding from some court somewhere this week that said something about Grand Jury testimony being released, I think the Judge realized it was a ploy and that case had NOTHING to do with this case. Nothing.

Defense brought up something about psychiatrist Lee Carter's findings. Wanted that. Uh, that's civil work. This is a criminal case. The Judge seemed to fight crossing his eyes. (<----totally my interpretation....not mind reading) Either which way, Carter's findings won't help Matt at all. It's actually hurtful to Matt. Does Ellison know what Carter said? Anyway, long story short.....Ellison and Matt were stunned. The Judge graciously provided the break room right off the courtoom for Matt to submit his DNA sample. Priceless.

Here is the news so far from today: Awesome live blog from today's hearing NEW VIDEO: Live blog: April 24 hearing for Matt Baker
Ken Sury
WacoTrib.com

"12:06 p.m. — My apologies for the brief break in blogging, but I had to leave the breakroom as Baker, his attorney, prosecutor Susan Shafer, bailiffs and another individual came into the room in order to take Baker’s DNA sample. I’m assuming it was the usual swab of the inside of each cheek." (read more)

Judge Grants Request For DNA Sample From Waco-Area Pastor Matt Baker
KWTX.com

"WACO (April 24, 2009)—Prosecutors got permission Friday to take a DNA sample as a motions hearing got underway late Friday morning in state district court for former Waco-area pastor Matt Baker, who’s charged with murder in the 2006 death
of his wife, Kari." (read more)

Matt Baker gives DNA sample
Sara Talbert
KXXV.com

"Baker's attorney also filed two new procedural motions this morning in case Baker is convicted. One would allow the possibility of probation, and the other requesting punishment be decided by a jury. Strother will set another hearing to decide on those." (read more)

VERY INTERESTING. Matt's attorney is already seeing a conviction. Hmmmmm........

Ellison opposes motion for Matt's DNA

Attorney for former Waco-area pastor opposes motion to get DNA from his client in murder trial
Tommy Witherspoon
WacoTrib.com

"In a motion filed Monday, Baker’s lawyer, Richard Ellison, told 19th State District Judge Ralph Strother that Baker opposes a motion from prosecutors who are seeking a court order to obtain a saliva swab from the former Central Texas Baptist minister." (read more)

If he's innocent and there's nothing to hide, why not give it up?

If you are contacted by author....

Kari's family and I, and as I understand some of you now, have been contacted by a woman that wants to write a book on this case. While I'm sure she is well-intentioned, Kari's family has no desire to participate in anything like this and have made thier feelings known to her. It won't help serve justice. And they worry about how it would affect the girls in the future. Please keep this in mind if you are contacted. And I hope this doesn't run anyone off from being a part of this support for Justice for Kari. Your prayers and support are a great encouragement.

Email me if you have any questions: JusticeforKari@gmail.com.

Expert witnesses for Baker

Expert witnesses in Baker case could be costly to taxpayers
Tommy Witherspoon
WacoTrib.com

"Ellison has said that Baker cannot get a fair trial without county funds to hire the experts, none of whom will come cheap. Ellison has indicated in a motion that he needs to hire a crime scene reconstruction expert, a toxicologist, a pharmacologist, a pathologist and a psychologist to combat prosecutionwitnesses in those fields.

Stan Schwieger, former president of the McLennan County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, said the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that indigent defendants are 'basically entitled to the basic building blocks of a defense,' including court-approved funds to retain expertwitnesses, if that is what it takes." (read more)

It does stink that the taxpayers of McLennan County will be footing the bill for Matt's experts, but I do see why it is that way. The Judge knows what happens in cases like this. The Judge knows that if you don't give these "constitutional rights" to defendants like Baker, they can and will come back with mistrial and appeal shenanigans. The Judge wants this impending conviction to STICK. So.....we pay.....for justice. Like Tommy says, they do not get an open check. Basic building blocks. Bring 'em on. The truth will shine through.

"More rare, Mark said, isto be asked to assess the mental condition of someone whom he cannot see or talk to, such as in the case of Kari Baker. In 32 years, he has done it twice, he said.

A psychologist appointed for the Baker defense will be asked to assess if she was suicidal by speaking with her husband, friends,co-workers and others and examining any medical or psychological records that may exist, Mark said.

'You do a psychiatric autopsy, if you will,' Mark said. 'There are anumber of things you can do, but I don’t think it would be that precise in any case, looking at it after the fact. You can point to pros and cons, think this is why it may have occurred, look at all the factors involved, like whether there were cyclical bouts of depression. But the bottom line is that you may never really know for sure.'" (read more)

Assess away! Please! Those other than Matt, his mother (who thought suicide wasn't a bad option for Kari) and his ever-dwindling circle of supporters in Kerrville that didn't even know Kari....others actually IN Kari's life that knew her in the past or at the time of her death will clearly attest to her character and attitude and lifestyle. Assess away! It might cost the taxpayers more money because the line of these people will be sooooo long, but go for it. Please and thank you.

DA wants DNA

What's this? The DA wants Matt's DNA? Could this mean there IS evidence? Evidence to compare DNA with? Well, I'll be.

An innocent man should have no issue with this. It will help prove his innocence, after all. Right?

Also, Matt's attorney is itching to see what Vanessa spilled to the grand jury. Something so big that she got immunity out of it. Something so big Matt was immediately indicted and arrest warrant issued without delay. Something so big that as a condition of reducing the bond amount, the Judge ordered that neither Matt nor anyone from his defense could contact her. She needed protection. We'll all hear it soon enough.

Prosecutors ask judge to order Matt Baker to submit DNA sample
Tommy Witherspoon
WacoTrib.com

"The motion filed by prosecutor Crawford Long asks Strother to order Baker to submit to a swab of the inside of his mouth 'for the purpose of obtaining DNA for comparison to an item or items' gathered in the murder investigation.

Strother also will consider a motion from Baker’s attorney, Richard Ellison, who has asked for a copy of transcripts of testimony from grand jury witnesses, which are confidential unless ordered released by a judge." (read more)

Prosecutors Want To Collect Ex-Pastor’s DNA
KWTX.com - Channel 10

"The motion asks Judge Strother to direct the defendant to, 'to submit to the taking of a DNA sample by the swabbing of the interior of the defendant's mouth for the purpose of obtaining DNA for comparison to an item taken and collected in relation to the offense that is the basis of this prosecution.'"

State files motion seeking Baker's DNA
Loren Korn
KWWV-TV - Channel 25

The judge has scheduled a hearing for April 24 to consider motions filed by the DA's office and by Ellison.

Defense wants grand jury transcripts

Former Waco-area pastor trying to get access to grand jury testimony in preparation for his murder trial
Tommy Witherspoon
WacoTrib.com

"Matt Baker is curious to find out what his alleged former girlfriend told a McLennan County grand jury last month that led to his murder indictment in the April 2006 death of his wife, Kari." (read more)

also...

"Baker has acknowledged that he gave his wife’s cell phone to Bulls after she
died and that they racked up hundreds of hours of calls on the phone." (read more)

And from the many witnesses (like the commenter in the post below) looks like the two of them spent lots and lots of hours together in perso on top of all the hundreds of hours on the phone.

Kerrville's Topix.com...

There have been lots of interesting comments over the last year Kerrville's Topix.com about the Baker case. This one is new and along the lines of A LOT of what I've been hearing over the last 2 years.

From "neighbor in Woodway, TX":

"I lived down the street from Matt and Kari in Hewitt. Matt was arrogant and weirdly immature for a minister his age. Even after Kari died. We felt so sorry for him but when I approached him, he seemed bored with my sentiments for him and his girls. "We'll be fine" is all he said and changed the subject to talk about what our children were doing the next weekend.

And that woman was at his house all the time just a week later. All hours. She was even at the oldest girls slumber party that same month. She had her head on his shoulder and he laid on the couch with his head in her lap. It freaked some of the girls out. That was what made me think Kari didn't die of her own will. Not kari's parents. it was all Matt.

Glad to know people in Kerrville aren't as snowed as the Bakers would have us think."

Hey Matt....

Was the "purple fuzzy lamp" in one of the boxes of Kari's stuff you put at the curb for the trashman? Just wondering. My son asked about it tonight.

Accused murderer Baker bonds out for $250,000

Former Waco-Area Pastor Matt Baker Released From Jail
KWTX.com - Channel 10

WACO (April 10, 2009)--Former Waco-area pastor Matt Baker was released from the McLennan County Jail Friday afternoon, a day after a state district judge reduced his bond from $500,000 to a $250,000 surety bond, which required him to post $25,000 in cash. (read more)

Accused murderer Baker bonds out for $250,000
Wendy Gragg
WacoTrib.com

Former Baptist minister Matt Baker posted bond and left McLennan County Jail late this afternoon. His bond was $250,000. (read more)

Judge approves $250,000 surety bond in Matt Baker murder case

Judge approves $250,000 surety bond in Matt Baker murder case
Tommy Witherspoon
WacoTrib.com

Baker Pleads Not Guilty; Judge Grants Bond Reduction
KWTX.com - Channel 10
There is a good video on the KWTX.com site. There is video and audio of Matt and also interviews and some explanations by Judge Strother.

Bond reduced for former Baptist pastor charged with wife's murder
David R. Wilkinson
Associated Baptist Press

Busy day in court...

::clink:: ::clink:: ::clink:: ::clink::
I have not seen Baker in person since shortly after Kari died. What a way to see him. The wide horitontal black and white striped jumpsuit. Rubber flipflops. Chains around his waist and wrists. Chains on his ankles that clinked on the hard courtroom floor as he walked. The beginnings of justice.
::clink:: ::clink:: ::clink:: ::clink::

WacoTrib.com Photo Slideshow
Picture #7 is chilling.

The courtroom was very full. Family. Investigators. Lawyers. And lots of press. The familiar faces of Erin Moriarty and Lisa Freed with 48 Hours. 20/20 and Dateline people as well. The local major news stations and Tommy Witherspoon with the WacoTrib were present.

After being seated in the courtroom, there was a "in chambers" meeting that lasted about an hour. Included in that were the judge, the two attorneys with the DA's office, the investigator with the DA's office, Matt and his attorney, Ellison, and the court reporter. My layman's interpretation of the explanation of that meeting was discussing Ellison's allegations that the DA's office inappropriately contacted Baker about a DNA sample.....Ellison wanting sanctions and/or protective orders against the DA's office for that....DENIED. DENIED. DENIED.

Arraignment time. The Judge asks Matt how he pleads to the charges of First Degree Murdery. Matt answers, "Not guilty." Of course. It is still amazing to me those words can come out of his mouth.

Next was discussion pertaining to bond reduction. Matt was on the stand and answered these planned out, boring questions from his attorney. Stuff like (and I'm not quoting, just general idea paraphrasing) Would you show up to court when the time comes? Are you a flight risk? Will you be a good boy while you wait for trial? Ellison asked him if he turned himself in this time? Well, yes, of course he did. He's working the strategy. He asked him if he turned himself in last September of 2007. Matt said, yes. He failed to mention that when the Texas Ranger came to his place of employment to arrest him.....well, did Matt turn himself in? Nope. He ran from that building. He ran. Fled. Not for long, mind you. He was advised to turn himself in. But he fled. His attorney failed to mention that little tidbit of information. Whatever. They had one lady friend testify for his sake with similar pre-planned questions (general paraphrasing) Do you know Matt and his parents? Are they good people? Do you think Matt will be good? Do you think Matt will show up to court? No surprise questions or answers. Then Ellison goes in his rants about his client HAVING A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT to bond reduction. He loves to use that phrase, CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS, a lot. Seemingly daring the Judge to not give him what he wants. Heck, anything for a mistrial once Matt's found guilty. Something to fall back on.

The Judge made it very clear that if Matt does meet bond and gets out while waiting for trial, it is with the condition that he has NO contact with Vanessa Bulls whatsoever! I wonder what all the background on that is. My guess is she wanted that "protection" after testifying. I'm nervous for her if Matt gets out.

Anyway, barring any hard evidence of Matt being a flight risk, the Judge lowered his bond to a 250,000 surety bond. This means he only has to come up with 10-15% to bond out. He mentioned a family friend that helped last time by putting his property on the line for money for Matt and that Matt felt this guy might be able to do it at 200,000 again this time. Surely that man is double and triple thinking what is right. Matt wasn't indicted last time. This time he is indicted for First Degree Murder with heavy evidence and a key witness that secured that indictment. Not only is there the risk that he might run....especially as more and more evidence is made known and he is NOT going to want to see the backside of those bars again.....but just on what is the right thing to do. I want to help my friends, too. But if they do something this heinous, well......there are lines I wouldn't cross. Pray for their soul, yes. Support their crime, no.

There was much talk about whether to claim Matt indigent. It's obvious he doesn't make much money. He doesn't own property. He's gone through the insurance money from Kari's death. He claimed it was only $40,000 and basically used for legal fees. No mention of down payment on expensive truck around that time. Okay. Okay. They talked about how much he made with the part-time ebay job an how much he had coming in a month for living expenses. Matt and his attorney conveniently forgot to list the money the girls get from Kari's social security. It's THEIR money, I know. I don't think it should be used for his defense fund (or his truck payment) but I do think it should be calculated in when discussing living expenses. Anyway. He's indigent. But it was SO OBVIOUS that the Judge was NOT HAPPY with Matt getting McLennan County tax payers' money for experts in his defense. Especially since Matt is paying an attorney and not going the state-appointed indigent route. Cake and eat it, too? But then Ellison brings back his client had a CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT to have experts in his defense. Again, the Judge had to give some. He didn't give him an open-ended check, though. He wants a list of experts and amounts ahead of time. Oh, well....I don't mind helping to pay for this trial to be done fair and right with nothing for Ellison and Baker to fall back on for mistrials of justice. Let's do it right. The Judge is being very careful and thorough and I feel good that this case is being tried in his Court.

There were a few other matters that I'm still trying to figure out. There are lots more matters coming up in future hearings. And I'm sure the news stories and videos will have much more specific information. I just wanted to give my thoughts on the day. More later.

Live blog: Hearing on bond reduction request for Matt Baker by Ken Sury w/ WacoTrib.com

Baker Pleads Not Guilty; Judge Grants Bond Reduction KWTX.com - Channel 10

I'll add more news links as I come across them.

Someone is freaking out...

Someone is terrified. Someone's attorney is terrified. I wonder why. Don't they have the truth on THEIR side? Isn't it true that the prosecution just has absolutely nothing on him? Isn't the evidence against him non-existent? Aren't they anxious for their day in court so the truth can come out?

Now the defense is scrambling. Scrambling and making stuff up. Thursday's arraignment and obligatory bond-reduction hearing is turning into,oh, so much more. Let the drama mount.

In an article by Tommy Witherspoon for the WacoTrib.com yesterday, you see that Matt's attorney is upset at the request for a DNA sample. Why? Really? Don't you want to clear Matt of any wrong doing? What are you afraid it's going to show? The TRUTH? I obviously wasn't there at the jailhouse. But I doubt the McLennan County DA's office would breach any kind of legal or ethical boundries in this highly analyzed, highly publicized case. Defense is desperate here.

Now, Matt Baker needs/wants experts and he wants McLennan County to pick up the tab? Tommy Witherspoon's WacoTrib.com article Former Waco-area preacher asks court to appoint defense experts in his murder trial in his wife's death today states:

"Former Waco-area Baptist preacher Matt Baker says he is indigent and is asking McLennan County taxpayers to pick up the tab for expert witnesses to help defend him on charges he murdered his wife.

In a motion filed Tuesday seeking funds to hire court-appointed experts, Baker’s attorney, Richard Ellison, of Kerrville, says 'fairness and due process' require that 19th State District Judge Ralph Strother approve funds for defense experts in psychology, toxicology, pharmacology and crime scene reconstruction."

Say it isn't so. Oh, well.....as much as I don't want to pay for his defense, I'm fine with paying for him to have a good enough attempt now so he can't come back later and cry foul. The truth will stand loud and clear all on its own.

Pictures from Today

I know the official date is April 8....but we all know it was actually Friday, the 7th. I went by this afternoon to drop off some flowers and say a prayer. On this 3rd anniversary, justice is finally just around the corner.

And one for sweet little Kassidy....

20/20 - Former Texas Pastor Matt Baker Indicted in Wife's 2006 Death

On their website, 20/20 has done an update on the case.
Former Texas Pastor Matt Baker Indicted in Wife's 2006 Death

One paragraph really bothers me. It is a quote from Matt's mother.

"Suicide is an answer to pain you can't get rid of," Barbara Baker said. "There was pain that Kari was undergoing that she either couldn't or didn't get the proper help for and that was not a bad answer for her."

Seriously? Am I reading that right? She is saying that suicide wasn't a bad answer for Kari?? No love lost there, I guess.

Associated Baptist Press Story

Bob Allen with the Associated Baptist Press has written a great article about Matt Baker for their website.
Former Baptist pastor indicted on murder charge

"'Justice for Kari' bumper stickers are showing up on car bumpers as far away as France.

(Photo courtesy of 'Don't Even Get Me Started' blog)"

And here is another article by Bob Allen dated February 28, 2008 for Ethicsdaily.com:
Article Says Preacher Charged With Killing Wife a Sexual Predator

Eraser Killers - Men Who Make Women Disappear

It's always interesting to check the blog stats and see how people are getting here. Today, I found a couple of message boards (on different kinds of subject matters) where people were talking about how people in Kerrville and Waco felt about Matt Baker.

I also found this case referred to on lemondrop.com where they are talking about Marilee Strong's book, "Erased: Missing Women, Murdered Wives." Marilee Strong (among others) puts Matt Baker in the company of Scott Peterson, Mark Hacking, Ira Einhorn, Tim Boczkowski, Barton Corbin and Drew Peterson for starters. If you go to this page on lemondrop.com and then click on the arrows to view the various photos/stories, Matt Baker is right after Scott Peterson and Mark Hacking.

Here is the blip about this case:

"Something Not Right But some women had a feeling something would happen, and in many cases told friends or relatives, 'If something happens, check out my husband.'

In one recent case, a Baptist minister named Matt Baker claimed to have found his wife Kari dead in bed with a bottle of over-the-counter sleeping pills. They later discovered on his computer that he's researched death by overdose of sleeping pills. She also told a counselor who came forward after her death that she had found a bag of crushed pills in her husband's briefcase. Eraser crimes often involve months of preparation."

You can read more about What Makes an Eraser Killer on that website or in Strong's book. But I wanted to point out a few quotes from Marilee for you to think about:

"There are three aspects to their psychological profile. First, they have psychopathic traits and no empathy. If they can take their wife's body and chop it up and put it through a woodchipper or anchor their wife and child to the bottom of the bay -- what person could do that if they had human emotion at that level?

Yet these people aren't out-of-control, pure predators like Charles Manson or Ted Bundy. The violence is limited to their wives or girlfriends, sometimes their children or fetuses. They're so narcissistic, and they want to be the center of the world. They reach a point where they see these women and children as a burden, as an inconvenience. They're not motivated by jealousy, rage or revenge. Those things may be secondary, but what they want to do is wipe the slate clean and erase the person as if it never happened.

The third aspect of their psychology is Machiavellianism – the ability to manipulate others and strategize and plan in very dark ways. They often have an image they portray to the world as warm, generous, charming, a perfect husband or boyfriend. Ira Einhorn, a world-renowned peace expert, killed his girlfriend Holly Maddux and
kept her, like a trophy, in a trunk in his home for 18 months. These men are so cold-hearted they're perfectly happy to lie to the media, police and loved ones. Part of the narcissism is that they think they're smarter than everyone and can pull off the perfect murder -- they enjoy the battle of wits."

AND

"Easier Than Divorce Because of their unusual psychology, eraser killers believe it is easier, quicker and more emotionally satisfying to kill than to get a divorce. They're so selfish, they don't want to share anything or have to support a wife or a child -- they just want to start over. And some just can't handle the idea of potentially looking bad by getting a divorce. If you could ever get Scott Peterson to honestly answer this question, he would probably say that he didn't divorce Laci because that would hurt her. Yet somehow, in his mind, killing her wasn't hurting her."

AND one more thought from Marilee Strong about District Attorney's and why they may take a while to take the case to trial:

"I sympathize with DAs because you only get one try. If he's exonerated because there's no evidence, even if the body shows up in his backyard after that he can't be retried."

Definately don't want to go too soon! Better to wait until you have all you need right in place. I do believe that's about where we are now.

Hearing set for tomorrow rescheduled

The bond-reduction hearing was originally scheduled for tomorrow. It has been rescheduled until next Thursday, April 9th, and will be the arraignment as well as bond reduction.

Flight risk?

What are your thoughts? Do you feel Matt Baker is a flight risk?

"Judgment Day for the Preacher"

Erin Moriarty (who did a brilliant job with the 48 Hours piece on this case last year) writes her thoughts in an update on the case on In Cold Blog: Judgment Day for the Preacher

"So what happened that caused new charges to file against Baker almost three years after the death of his wife?

Apparently, a friend of Baker’s, a young woman he was 'seeing' at the time of his wife’s death, convinced the grand jurors that there was more than meets the eye to Kari’s death, a death originally listed as a suicide." (read full story here)

Here is a link to Erin's first blog post about this case, dated 5-21-08.
"The Preacher's Wife"

Words from Linda....

Linda left this heartfelt comment on a post earlier today. I can't even imagine being in her place and having to have these feelings. Worrying about her precious granddaughters this way. And even though I'm sure she doesn't feel incredibly strong, I have found her to be an incredible inspiration of strength and fortitude. Hang on, Linda. Justice for Kari is coming. The girls don't have an easy road ahead of them, but with the strength, loyalty, compassion and love of the Dulin family and their families and friends, they will grow up to be phenomenal women. How could they not? Look at their incredible maternal lineage!

"Thank you for your honest sentiments, Kerrvillian, and for your feedback, Shannon.

Right now, I am so overwhelmed. I knew this day would come. I always knew. I know the evidence. Still, I am also so very sad. My precious granddaughters are the most tragic victims. I can’t begin to imagine the terror in their little hearts.

I am not going to say much more because I am searching for wisdom and forgiveness here. I regret any comments I made in the media after Matt’s arrest. I didn’t say much but I wish I hadn’t said anything. I don’t want to bring more pain for my granddaughters. I don’t want to bring additional pain to anyone. I do believe that when a person takes another life, that person should be held accountable. The system is working. As Shannon has posted, “justice delayed is still justice.”

I am praying for Matt and his family…for Vanessa and her family. I don’t write this with any pious generosity. This isn’t easy for me. In fact, it is an incredible struggle. I am such a flawed work in progress. I want so badly for my thoughts and actions to show that I seek the Lord in all I do. Mainly I fail. Thank goodness for His grace. I know it will shine on all who seek Him. For those who believe in the power of prayers, please lift up my granddaughters. Let them emerge from this to become whole and healthy adults. To justice. To healing.

Linda"

Please keep those prayers flowing over the coming months! If you would like to leave any words of strength, wisdom, peace, scripture or encouragement for Kari's family, feel free to leave your comments on this post. I'm sure they will be very uplifting and appreciated. Thank you all! ~ Shannon

Local man indicted in death of wife

After 2 days of being a big news story, The Kerrville Daily Times finally gets around to the story. Even then, it's not easy to find in the online paper.

Local man indicted in death of wife I think Conor Harrison did a much better job than previous Daily Times reporters. Just sayin'.

Again, the almost funny quote from Matt's attorney, Ellison, "He is innocent, and we look forward to our day in court so the truth will come out and put an end to all of this.” None of the long line of court-avoiding-then-quit-attorneys Matt has had wanted to go to court. The only ones that truly want the truth to come out are the ones that know Matt is guilty.

Matt heading to McLennan County...

McLennan County deputies bringing former minister Baker back to Waco
Tommy Witherspoon - WacoTrib.com

"McLennan County deputies are in route back to Waco from Kerrville with former Baptist minister Matt Baker.

Sheriff Larry Lynch said deputies picked up Baker this afternoon from the Kerr County Jail and should have him back in McLennan County and booked into the county jail on Highway 6 tonight." (read more)

Matt Baker - Eyes for Lies

Eyes for Lies has updated her site with the news:
Matt Baker Indicted on Murder Charges

She has many of her postings in the last year or so about her thoughts on this case. Some very interesting ideas and she points out some great things.

Matt Surrenders to Kerr County Authorities

From the WacoTrib.com:

Matt Baker Surrenders to Authorities <---read full article by Tommy Witherspoon

"Former Central Texas Baptist minister Matt Baker, who was indicted on murder charges Wednesday in the April 2006 death of his wife, surrendered to Kerr County officials at 4 p.m. today.

Baker’s bond is set at $500,000 and officials say he is expected to remain in custody at least until his attorney can ask 19th State District Judge Ralph Strother to reduce his bond at a hearing Wednesday morning."

Pictures and basic info can be found at Kerr County Jail Records Search

Vanessa - Powerful Testimony

Former Waco-area pastor indicted on murder charge in wife's death
Tommy Witherspoon - WacoTrib.com

Here is a snippet of today's article by Tommy about yesterday's testimony and indictment. Wow.

"On Wednesday, Long and Shafer escorted Bulls into the grand jury chambers, where she testified for about 30 minutes. That was after 54th State District Judge Matt Johnson granted her immunity from any legal repercussions that might come from her testimony, courthouse sources said."

Whatever that woman had to say must have been HUGE......DAMNING, in fact. For both of them. It's all confidential right now. But like all the other evidence, will come out soon. Thank God that Vanessa told what she knew. It's certainly time.

Mommy! Mommy, Look!!!

As I was sitting here last night reading about the indictment, my daughter runs in from outside, "Mommy! Mommy, come look! God has something to show you!!!"

Yesterday sure was a day for God's tangible and visible signs of His great promises!!

The Indictment

You can view the indictment here.

THE STATE OF TEXAS
VS.
MATTHEW DEE BAKER

PRIMARY OFFENSE: MURDER
1st DEGREE FELONY

IN THE NAME AND BY AUTHORITY OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

THE GRAND JURY, for the County of McLennan, State of Texas, duly selected, empaneled, sworn, charged and organized as such at the March Term, A.D., 2009, of the 54th Judicial District Court for said County, upon their oaths present in and to said Court at said term that MATT DEE BAKER, hereinafter styled Defendant, heretofore on or about the 7th day of April, A.D. 2006, and before the presentment of this indictment, in the County and State aforesaid, did then and there intentionally or knowingly case the death of an individual, namely, KARI LYNN BAKER, by administering drugs to her and suffocating her with a pillow and in a manner and means to the grand jury unknown,
.......AGAINST THE PEACE AND DIGNITY OF THE STATE.

Signed by the Grand Jury Foreman

Matt Baker INDICTED FOR MURDER!!

Was a VERY big day in McLennan County Texas today! More news on that later. For now, I just wanted to share this news:

Grand jury hears testimony in case of pastor accused of killing wife - Tommy Witherspoon w/ WacoTrib.com

Pay special attention to the note at the top of the online article:

UPDATE: Matt Baker has been indicted by a McLennan County grand jury. We’ll have more this afternoon on WacoTrib.com and in Thursday’s Waco Tribune-Herald.

KXXV.com just updated their online article about the indictment:
Ex-pastor indicted for wife's murder

KWTX.com:
Former Waco Area Pastor Indicted for Murder

Out of the mouths of babes...

I received an email from Mrs. Dulin today. She wanted to share a story that Kari's best friend, Jill, shared with her recently. With permission, I post it below:

"Kari’s dear friend, Jill, shared a sweet story with me yesterday. I thought I would share it with you. Jill took her son, Samuel, to Chik-fil-a last week. While they were there, Samuel was given a balloon. He told his mom, 'I know I am too old for balloons but I just love them.' Jill assured him that he wasn’t too old to love balloons. And then…..the balloon slipped out of Samuel’s hand and escaped into the air. As it floated high into the sky, Samuel said, 'That balloon is for Kari.'

Samuel loved Kari. And he still loves Kensi and Grace. He always called them 'his girls.' ”

So many people miss Kari's vibrant spirit and playful ways. So many.

Civil Trial Date - SET!

I went to the district clerk's office last Monday to see what progress was going on with the civil trial since the last hearing in December where Matt's attorney finagled a few more months in continuances. (MUCH to the Judge's great irritation!) The Judge was adamant that Matt's attorney's work with the Dulin's attorneys POST HASTE on scheduling this court date. After almost 3 months of Matt's attorney not responding on agreeable court dates, the Judge just set it himself.

I called the 19th District Court office and spoke with Joy. She told me that the civil trial was set to begin on September 29th. She also indicated that this case had a "PRIORITY RATING." When I asked her what that meant she said that this case was taking priority over other ones and the date was set in stone....not to be wiggled out of once again by one of Matt's long line of court-avoiding lawyers.

So at least one form of justice will commence this September. I wonder if the criminal justice will come even before September? It's possible.

Cool....

Sharing an email I received last week from one of Kari's aunts.

Dear Shannon,

Justice for Kari is everywhere! We had a major media event at our church this weekend, the pilot of the plane that crashed in Buffalo, New York went to our church. A friend told me that while the media was covering this story my car with the "Justice for Kari bumper sticker" made national news. The reporter was standing right in front of my car and the bumper sticker was there for everyone to see.

You can't stop justice!
We are ready for it in 2009!

Jennifer

Sharing a memory....

I received this memory comment today from one of Kari's sweet friends:

I have so many memories of growing up with Kari. Sunday afternoons, riding horses, watching dirty dancing, fighting for the same boys, sleepovers and staying up all night giggling. I’ll never forget making up a silly dance with Kari to “Ghostbusters” and putting on a show for Linda.

We lost contact in adulthood, but the deep core of who a person is never changes. She was beautiful, smart, loyal, optimistic and vibrant! She was a good friend.

The day my mother told me the news about Kari, I knew instantly there was no way Kari would ever take herself away from her family and children. No matter what, no matter how hard or difficult things may have been, I know Kari always found the bright side of life.

She was a bright shining star. I am so proud of the Dulin's for persevering and not giving up. Anyone who knew Kari knows better than to believe Mr. Baker's lies and deceit. I will pray for the family and count the days until justice is served.

Bless you, Shannon, for this blog and a giving people who love Kari a place to share our precious memories. I'm so grateful to have shared my childhood with Kari.

Carrie

And in other news.....

Matt Baker pops up again. I just came across part of a video interview with blogger, Eyes for Lies, being interviewed by the Chicago Sun Times.

Nothing gets past real-life human lie detector

Click here to read the Eyes for Lies Blog post on her blog about this case. There were a few, but this is the only one I quickly found a link for. She is so dead-on.

Eyes recent comment here, left under the post below this one:

I can tell you that I personally don't trust Matt. His emotions don't seem to match his words, and he wants everyone to believe he is the honest one while the rest of the world is lying, which is absolutely ridiculous. He wants everyone to believe the "world" is out to get him, the preacher. How ironic is that?

More than that, when someone wants you to believe they had strange things happen to them that are one-in-a-million odds, and these unrealistic odds continue to keep happening over and over again, it's a huge red flag that something isn't right. It likely means there is more to the story than what is evident, and Matt's situation is definitely one of these!

I worry about the children in his care right now. May the truth prevail and justice come swiftly!

Yes, Eyes.....there are so many red flags. Soon the Judge and jury will hear all about them.

God bless.
Shannon

A Recent Comment...

Just wanted to highlight a recent comment:

To friend in Dallas:
Matt has been losing jobs for many years. If mr. Baker (sorry. can't call him pastor) had such a great relationship at the church where he was a pastor in Dallas, why did his first (in a long line) attorneys threaten to sue that church (and I am betting this letter went to other churches too) if they gave out any information about him? Now you know why I won't leave my name here. This information isn't known by many but it can be confirmed. I was a member at that church.

He was fired at our church. First we reduced his salary to try and push him out. It was a painful experience with him. In fact, the only bright light in his time at our church WAS Kari. We loved her.It makes me so very sad for kensi and Grace. I knew them well and loved them through the children's programs. Kari loved matt and stood by him through the many problems he had at our church. Look how he repayed her. Pure evil resides in some people.

Kari was a teacher at an elementary school in Richardson ISD, and she was loved. In fact, there is a brick in her memory there from Dallas friends. People were drawn to Kari. Matt never had that impact on people, In fact it was just the opposite.

To the people in Kerrville: be careful. he is not who he pretends to be. I know.

Yesterday's hearing for "Motion to Dismiss"

While the wheels of justice grind along slowly, slowly is "better safe than sorry."

I found it completely fascinating to be in the courtroom yesterday to see and hear for myself the words, intentions and dynamics among the Judge, the Dulins' 2 attorneys and Matt's attorney.

Okay. Here is my layman's accounting of the 1.5 hour hearing yesterday: The purpose and intent of today's hearing was for the Judge to either grant or deny Baker's motion to dismiss the case. Well, apparently just yesterday Matt's attorney came up with something to throw a monkey wrench in the works and try to buy more time......and more time.......and more time. (Seriously, why doesn't Matt want to get all this truth out there and justify himself and prove his innocence? Why live in limbo year after year after year after year? Doesn't the "truth set you free"?) Ellison (Matt's attorney) e-filed his paperwork way too late and it wasn't in the Judge's possession yet. Not a good move. Everyone was irritated.

Long story short(ish) - Ellison decided that he wanted to challenge all of the Dulin's expert witnesses and testimony. Well, all but the computer expert witness. They challenge their qualifications. The paperwork and Ellison's own words today say something about that the experts aren't doctors. Since when are PhD's not doctors? These experts are well known, top-notch and extremely qualified. If Baker's attorney doesn't recognize these guys' names and extent of their qualifications, well, doesn't say much for his experience in these matters. But I'm thinking that he knows they are qualified and admissible and is just doing anything to delay this case from going to court.

Where the monkey wrench comes in is this: The purpose of this hearing was to either grant or deny Baker's motion to dismiss. That's what the Court was prepared to do. That's what the room of people were there to witness. Ellison brings up this expert witness crud at the last minute. But then he goes on to tell the Judge that he wants to discuss the expert witnesses now. But that's not the purpose of this hearing and you can't just change gears last second with no room for preparation like that. The Judge was brilliant enough to know what was going on. The Judge was prepared to give his finding. BUT if he did so BEFORE the expert witness wrench was cleared up, it would give Baker a HUGE reason to appeal after he's found guilty and the trial is over. Judge went into his chambers for about 30 minutes to research case law and whatnot on this. He HAD to come back without being able to grant/deny Baker's dismissal so things wouldn't get messy later and give Matt reason for appeal. It was a slimy, back-door, desperate act by Baker and Ellison, in my opinion, to delay this even longer.

If you remember one thing about this post, remember this: I would bet every Christmas present under my tree that Judge Strother was ready to deny the motion to dismiss.

Other than the talk of expert witnesses, 90% of the talk was about a continuance and trial dates. He was adamant before he signed the continuance that Ellison get with the Dulins' attorneys POST HASTE and work their schedules for a trial date. It was obvious he thinks this should and will go to trial. Ellison got his continuance granted because he's rather new to the case and needs more time to prepare. AND since he wants to depose and go through the expert witnesses ad nauseum, that will take a few more months. Convenient, eh? I guess if Baker has to pay for all these experts to fly in and take depositions, he'll be starting up new rounds of fundraising. The good people of Kerrville should know where their fundraising money is being spent. Wasted.....in order to delay. For some reason, the available trial dates are 3 months apart. It was set for April 6. The Judge asked Ellison if he could be ready by July 6. Guess what he said? Uh, no, I don't think I can. How about next Fall? Everyone's eyeballs just about popped out. They are going to push for July 6 but it very well could be October 6. Depends on future delay tactics.

Wrap-up: Very good long-term outcome feeling. I like Judge Strother. I think he's honest and on point. The only real bad thing about yesterday was more delays. Personally, I think it just gives more time for lies and contradictions from the defense....and more time for people to come forward with more information to help.

Justice delayed.....is still justice.

Tardy Justice Indeed!

Letter to the editor in today's WacoTrib.com

DA failing in duties
This letter is in response to the article in the Trib on Dec. 13 regarding Matt Baker’s motion to have the wrongful death suit against him dismissed. Hogwash!

And on the criminal end, why has our esteemed district attorney, John Segrest, failed to move forward on the Kari Baker case? Has he bothered to examine the facts? Is the “good ol’ boy” club at work?

Since Kari’s death in April 2006, her family and their top-notch, highly reputable attorney and investigators have amassed reams of evidence. It points directly to Matt Baker. Clearly the police believe this. They, too, gathered enough evidence to have him arrested more than a year ago. Still I question why a family would have to resort to a wrongful death case in McLennan County. The DA’s office has had more than enough time to investigate this crime and bring it to a grand jury. It is time to stop making excuses.

Mr. Segrest, you were elected to seek justice in McLennan County by holding criminals accountable. Get to it.

Helen Nash Weathers
Waco

Waco Tribune Herald article today

In the WacoTrib.com Today....
Former Central Texas minister Matt Baker seeks dismissal of wrongful death suit because of lack of evidence

Surprise - Baker seeks dismissal
In today's paper, you will find Tommy Witherspoon's article about the upcoming hearing. He talked with the "powers that be" and went over the evidence. Some of what he mentions:
Bill Johnston (one of the Dulin's attorneys) filed an 88-page response to the summary judgment that included statements from forensic experts, psychologists, investigators, a computer expert and the jewelry store clerk that overheard Baker and a woman shopping for engagement rings less than a month after Kari's death. Johnston's response also alleges that Baker killed his wife while pursing a relationship with this woman. (You know, the jewerly-store-looking-at-engagment-rings woman. My comment...not Tommy's) Within the 88-page report, you'll find evidence of Baker conducting internet searches concerning sleeping pills and overdoses and then, well, gee, he ordered medication from online pharmacies. There are conversations on the record about Kari finding crushed pills in Matt's briefcase four days before her death. Kari told a counselor 3 days before her death that she feared Matt was going to kill her.



Furthermore, quoting from the article:

"Johnston’s response also includes statements from experts and other witnesses
who reportedly will testify that:
* Kari Baker did not die of a drug overdose.
* Kari Baker had been dead “significantly longer” than Matt Baker’s story would allow.
* Matt Baker did not dress Kari Baker before her body was found.
* Matt Baker performed Internet searches at work for death by overdose and Ambien, a sleeping aid found in Kari Baker’s system.
* Kari Baker’s behavior was not consistent with someone contemplating suicide."

And all in all, the most important quote from this article comes from the DA's office in regards to the criminal case:

“ 'Because there was no autopsy done on the cause of death as is customary in a criminal case, our office is having to go back and look at things that were left undone at the time,' said Crawford Long, Segrest’s first assistant. 'We are currently awaiting the results of forensic evidence that is being tested as part of this investigation.' ”

Sounds an awful lot like a very active criminal investigation is going on. The DA's office knows this case must be fully investigated and that the citizens of McLennan County (and all over) are watching and praying for full justice to be done in the death of Kari Baker. We will not let Kari be forgotten. We will all continue to cry out for justice for Kari and her girls.....it is our duty.....it is our priviledge.

These wheels may turn slow...but they are turning. They are turning in God's timing and at His will. We will watch this all unfold as He sees fit. 2009 should bring much justice and much peace in this case. We are all looking forward to a conclusion in this case. But more than that, clearing Kari's honor in her girls' eyes and hearts. While it is awful what they will have to face in regards to who their Father really is, they will finally know that their loving Mother DID NOT leave them of her own doing. She loved them more than anything and would have never missed spending her life watching them grow into beautiful young ladies and then ultimately into beautiful women full of God's love and grace. She would have never chosen to miss daily life with them. Never chosen to miss birthday parties, Christmas, baptisms, graduations, weddings and grandbabies with them. Kari was robbed of these future experiences. And the girls were robbed of their Mother being there for them through all these wonderful times. Justice can't undo that BUT the truth would be a blessing that would change their lives forever.....and for the better!

Sidenote: If you have missed any Waco Tribune articles on this case, there are links to them on the right hand side of the article. Very good reading.

Watch the wheels turn....

Earlier this week, I checked the court docket online and came across this:

I wanted to know more of what was going on so yesterday afternoon I went down to the courthouse (BTW, Happy Retirement Judge Mayfield) and pulled the files. (Again, I have the receipt with my name and date on it so whoever thought I was lying about it last time can see that I'm not lying this time either.) It's Cause No. 2208-1042-1, 19th Judicial District.

The title of the motion itself is a joke. I know it's just what this thing is called but it's titled, "Notice of Hearing on No Evidence Motion for Summary Judgment." I guess they weren't expecting the "for starters" 88 pages of evidence to be turned in for the Judge's determination. Or maybe they were. Either way, I think calling for this hearing was a routine, last-ditch effort to try to keep this from going to trial. It also gives them an insight into the evidence piling up against Matt. I will head back down to the courthouse after the hearing once those 88 pages are made public and get a copy for myself. Check back.

Okay. Let's look at what evidence the defense brought to the table for consideration.

"III. Summary Judgment Evidence
1. Exhibit "A" - Baker attaches his affidavit as 'Exhibit A,' which proves that he did not cause his wife's death."

The statement from Matt says something like, I did not kill my wife. I am not responsible for my wife's death. I did not drug or smother my wife. This same sentence is re-written and re-worded down the whole page. Over and over. Well, whew.......I feel better after reading that. I mean, Pastor Baker has spoken. And we know a Pastor can only tell the truth. (Don't mind that ever-growing pile of pesky lies and story-changes he's given in the past.) I mean, he must really mean it this time, right? And this statement oh, so absolutely proves he did not kill his wife. I mean, this is truly amazing proof. I'm stunned. I've been wrong all along. Why didn't he just make this affidavit proof statement years ago and just be done with it. Okay. Case Closed. He says he didn't do it. Proof rules the day.

"2. Linda Dulin's deposition testimonyLinda Dulin gave her deposition in the original case on Nov. 3, 2006, and admitted that she has no evidence that Baker caused the death of his wife."

They wish that's what her deposition said. All the out-of-context excerpt shows is her saying as she sat there that day 2 years ago, she did not have a smoking gun and she had not heard Matt admit he had done it. That's it. (More magical proof logic going on here, I guess)

They think if you read their twisted interpretation of what was said, you'll believe it. It sounds like what Gray used to do. It sounds like the political crud we've had to listen to in the months preceeding the election. They think people are stupid and won't get all the information and see the truth. They think if they said Matt didn't do it, that should be good enough. They think if they say Mrs. Dulin's own deposition she didn't have any evidence at all, the public will just fall for it. Her deposition did not say she had no evidence at all. They are reaching and stretching and contorting, at best. They are wishing. And they were wishing that the last 2 years of evidence would go away. It's not.

"3. James Dulin's deposition testimony"

This one just makes me laugh. Sorry. I know this subject isn't funny. It's just a pitiful attempt. There's not even a full sentence quote from Mr. Dulin on here. I guess giving the whole sentence of his testimony would show what he really meant and not what they are grasping to make it look like he meant. I mean, really. Half a sentence. Not even out of context, it's NO context. Just shows they have nothing here.

Where is the psychiatric evaluation of depression? Proof that her interview that afternoon was horribly depressing to her? Proof of drug dependance? How to explain that a woman who was alive and talking to him when he left for the store (unless you believe the other version of his story where she was already asleep when he left) was stone, cold dead with lividity when he returned just 45 minutes later? Not cool. COLD. The world would love to know exactly how a man dresses a dead woman WHILE administering CPR. That kind of skill and talent could actually save lives some day.

It goes on to try to convince you in "legal-ese" that there is no geniune issue as to any material fact. I mean Matt said he didn't do it. Two years ago, Mrs. Dulin didn't hold a smoking gun in her hand. That's just amazingly powerful stuff there, eh? Case closed.

Well, we'll see what Judge Strother has to say about it on Thursday.

Support for Kari - Here and Abroad!

How awesome to open my email this morning and see this email and photo....from France!

She saw the 48 Hours episode about Kari's murder and was so disturbed that she couldn't even sleep that night. She was convinced that Kari didn't take her own life and wanted to do something....anything....to help and/or show her support. So she now proudly has her Justice for Kari bumper sticker as she drives around France.

I don't think I've shared this on the blog before but you might find it as fascinating as I do. This blog has many visitors from overseas. At a quick lookback, I can see: Columbia, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Austria, Japan........and that's just for starters. And these are not bots or spiders or accidental visits. They are visitors using "pertinent search words" for this case. People from ALL OVER Waco, Kerrville, the State of Texas, across the U.S and the world are tuned in to wait, pray and at the perfect time watch justice unfold in McLennan County.

And on behalf of all those who love Kari and her girls, I'd like to say "Thank You" and "God bless you" for all your prayers and support.

Just checkin' in.....

Been really busy lately. However, Kari’s family is always on my mind and heart. Didn’t see it but I heard that Channel 25 ran a short news blip last week about….. not really sure what it was about actually…. Is Matt Baker’s new attorney counter-suing the Dulins for defamation of character? What is the new attorney’s name? Richard Ellison? No other station ran the story and it only ran once, from what I heard. Kind of odd, if you ask me.

Hmmm…Mr. Baker, all that public notoriety you have been seeking may not be good for a defamation case. Just sayin'.
And then, there is the truth….. you know.....again, just sayin'.

Public Figures
Under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, as set forth by the U.S. Supreme Court in the 1964 Case, New York Times v Sullivan, where a public figure attempts to bring an action for defamation, the public figure must prove an additional element: That the statement was made with "actual malice." In translation, that means that the person making the statement knew the statement to be false, or issued the statement with reckless disregard as to its truth. For example, Ariel Sharon sued Time Magazine over allegations of his conduct relating to the massacres at the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps. Although the jury concluded that the Time story included false allegations, they found that Time had not acted with "actual malice" and did not award any damages.

The concept of the "public figure" is broader than celebrities and politicians. A person can become an "involuntary public figure" as the result of publicity, even though that person did not want or invite the public attention. For example, people accused of high profile crimes may be unable to pursue actions for defamation…… on the basis that the notoriety associated with the case and the accusations against them turned them into involuntary public figures.
Source: http://www.expertlaw.com/library/personal_injury/defamation.html

Sadie sent the following encouragement:
Thanks, SadieJ.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in
despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed ...
(2 Cor. 4:8-9 KJV)

And from Emily Dickinson:
Hope is the thing with feathers,
That perches in the soul,
And sings the song Without the words,
And never stops at all...

Yep, still here. Sometimes life gets in the way but I am still here. I am going to be here for the long haul supporting Kari’s family. Supporting my son’s teacher. The long haul. And I am far, far, far from being alone in this.

Sticker at SV Elementary

When I went to pick up my daughter at school today, I noticed a car I hadn't seen before with a JUSTICE FOR KARI sticker on it. I saw the man getting into the car and I walked up to him and said, "Sir? The sticker on your car...." I told him who I was and shook his hand and thanked him for putting the sticker on his car and for his support. He was very interested in the case and happy to talk about it and had a few questions about how soon we expected justice to come a callin'. Turns out he is the mail carrier for one of Kari's aunts here in town. He saw the sticker on her car and asked her how he could get some. ;) He says that he knows Matt will get justice later.....ultimate justice. But they are praying for justice SOON, too. Nice, nice man. Not sure he knew about the blog before today. But he sure knows about Kari. And he prays for justice for not only her, but for her girls.....AND SOON.

Thank you, Sir. God bless!

P.S. While things may "seem" quiet right now on the surface.....I'm noticing more and more vehicles in Waco and Hewitt with JUSTICE FOR KARI bumper stickers. I'm still getting requests and SASE's for stickers....and not just from Texas. People aren't forgetting. People are still working and praying for justice.

BTW: What does that little sticker mean to you?

Email

I received this email from Kari's Mom. I thought it would be good to share and asked her permission to post it here. Keep hanging in there, Linda. You have people all over this nation (and beyond) praying for justice for Kari and her girls. God is working in His own time and I have complete faith that when He makes the next move on this case, justice will be just around the bend.

"Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings your glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain"

Mercy Me, "Bring the Rain”
(lyrics link)

While this song has been out for more than two years, I still can’t listen to it without crying. Shannon, my strongest desire in this life is to glorify God. I fail miserably most of the time, but God knows my heart; and I keep on trying. I don’t know why my daughter’s life was taken from her. I don’t know why her daughters’ lives have been ripped in half. My heart breaks for my granddaughters. But I trust God…now…forever.

There is so much I would like to share with you but I can’t. We have to do this right…through a court of law. I will tell you this: If we had any doubt of Matt’s guilt, we wouldn’t go forward with this trial. We wouldn’t put ourselves or our granddaughters through this. However, it is because of what we do know (so much more than what has been made public) that we MUST move forward. I am reading this wonderful book, “the Shack.” There is a statement in it that says so clearly what Jim and I believe: “…judgment is not about destruction, but about setting things right.”

Matt said on “48 Hours” that I reside in anger. I don’t. I never have. I never will. I trust God. I can’t allow anger or hate to reside in my heart and squeeze out love. I am always amazed when people say (these words have been from people who support Matt), “Let it go. Move on. These little girls have lost a mother and they shouldn’t lose a father.” This stuns me. If you KNEW…If you had evidence…strong evidence…that someone killed your child…and now this man was raising your grandchildren…how could you live with yourself if you walked away???? That would be another crime. We must do all we can to set things right.

I do not hate Matt. I pray for him and I pray that I will be able to forgive him. I am not there…the forgiveness part. I want to be. I am a work in progress…still quite flawed. However, forgiveness does not mean forget and it does not mean that crimes should go unpunished. We want nothing more and nothing less than the truth revealed. Matt must be held accountable for what he has done. I am so sorry any of this happened. But things must be set right so that two little girls can be saved.

Thank you, Shannon. You are a wonderful she-warrior.

Linda

Allllllllllrighty........

With just 2 days to spare, Matt finally has found an attorney to represent him. Finally! It is time to more forward!! He has tried to stall the process....but delayed justice is still justice. You can't bury the truth when honorable people won't give up or give in.

There will be more information coming. Hang tight.

Just a quick note...

I know many of you have been praying for my Mom and I thank you for your emails, comments and prayers. My sweet Momma passed away on Friday. She was ready. And I was as ready to let her go as a child can be. Her little, tired body was just done. Praise God that I was able to be with her at that time. God is so good. Continued prayers are requested for safety of those traveling in the wake of this messy weather. And prayers for me to be able to be strong and do all I have to do in the next couple of days.
Thanks again for everything,
Shannon

From a close friend in high school...

Received this fun memory in the "Come on...Share a Memory" comments yesterday:

Kari and I were close friends for a couple of years in high school and we lost touch after school.

I remember when I first started hanging out with her in her little red car - driving back and forth from Waco to Gatesville. We were driving one day and it started to rain, she flipped on the windshield wipers and nothing happened. She remembered that they were malfunctioning and her dad disconnected them the day before. We rolled down the windows and tried to "wipe" the windshield ourselves, just laughing the whole time...thankfully the rain stopped quickly and we could see again, but we were drenched. She was just the funniest, sweetest, craziest girl I knew - full of life and energy. She is missed tremendously!
~ Julie Robken Kopp

Thanks, Julie =)

Sweet Memory Comment....

I received this sweet memory a few days ago. Wanted to make sure it wasn't missed. Thanks, Jill!

With school starting, I wanted to share a few memories in honor of Kari. I taught in the room right next to Kari's. I could often hear Kari and her class through the walls. You could tell when she had done something funny, her whole class would erupt with laughter.

I can still see her flip-flopping into my room (with her Reefs on)and talking with her hands, her bracelet just a jingling! She was often excited about something.

We got together with a few coworkers to exchange Christmas gifts. She had picked out a gag gift for me. At school the children have to walk quietly in the halls. We call this "Panther Pride." She gave me a pair of GIGANTIC red underwear that said, "Panther Pride" on the bottom. I found them in a closet a few months ago and laughed out loud.

Jill

Update

Update on the case:

Ok, I’ve found out the following. Now, I am sure there is much more information that I am unaware of. If you have knowledge of anything, give me a holler.

* MB’s attorney quit. Williams, who originally represented MB in the civil case,
was elected judge and will take over those duties in January. Now, a little
chit-chat…. The trial was scheduled for Oct. 6…. January is still up the
road. Why would Williams resign if the trial was going to be in October? Why
isn’t he staying with his Kerrville boy?

* Guy James Gray has officially said he will not represent MB in the civil case……will he do so in the criminal case? As I have said, my heart goes out to both Mr. Gray and his wife over the loss of their son. However, Gray also said in media reports that the first time he hears MB lie to him, he is quitting. Well, we KNOW MB lies PLENTY. Do you think Gray finally figured it out? Don’t know. Just wondering. MB told everyone who would listen, including Gray, that he and ol’ Vanessa were never more than friends. Well, that lie got busted big time on national television. And there is so much more….beginning with the cause of Kari’s death.

* Now, my source tells me that the judge gave MB 30 days to find a new attorney. 30 days. Find a good one MB. We all want you to have a top-notch attorney. Really. The truth can’t be hidden. We want you to have your day in court with a good attorney to tell your “story.” It will be that much sweeter when the truth is revealed for the world to see.

Feels like you are stalling, MB. You say you got the truth….You say your story has never changed (I am laughing hard on this one)…..Well, don’t you want to go to court??? Aren’t you anxious to show the world that you are innocent? Come on. Get an attorney and let’s go. All we want is the truth. All we want is for the truth to be told and for justice to be served. All we want is for the truth to be told, justice to be served, and two little girls to be saved. Is that asking for too much? I am going to be here fighting for t his cause as long as it remains unresolved. When this happens to any of us, it happens to all of us. That’s all.

Kerrville Comment

A comment from a few days ago:

"Blackjack Davy said...
I was given (by a friend) a "Justice for Kari" bumper sticker to show my support for Kari. I work in Kerrville. One week after I put the bumper sticker on my car, it was torn off by an unknown person/s either when I was attending a doctor's appointment or when I was parked "downtown" (by Francisco's restaurant). If MB's supporter's want to have any credibility in the eyes of the public, they need to counsel their peers not to resort to childish vandalism. It's a sad and desperate thing to resort to."

I have had numerous emails from folks in Kerrville that wanted a sticker but knew this would happen. Their support is via prayers. And we appreciate that very much!

Birthday Thoughts.....

Kari Lynn Dulin was born August 13, 1974

Today is Kari's birthday. She would have been 34 years old.

Let's see.....what might her birthday have been like.....

• Her family would have shared it with her....parents, daughters, perhaps extended family and friends.


• Kari's teacher friends at school would have surprised her with a little celebration.


• Jill would have called and sent a card. She wouldn't forget her best bud's birthday.


• Calls from other friends...."Happy Birthday, Old Woman." Lots of getting older jokes. Not funny. I know. ;)


• A visit to her grandparents' house. Oh, how she loved them. She was the first grandchild, you know. I'm sure that made her pretty special in their eyes....and she knew it. LOL





• I have been told that her favorite restaurant was the Samurai Steakhouse. Dinner there, for sure....Polaroid piture of the birthday girl and her family taken by the owner/master chef. Kensi and Grace would have huge grins as the picture was snapped. The Dulins would cherish every minute with their daughter and granddaughters.


• Unwrapping gifts. Paper flying everywhere. Kari loved surprises. Kari loved presents!


• Someone had to get her a candle for her birthday. Kari loved candles. Her favorite was Bird of Paradise....Circle E Candles. (I did a little homework.)


• Kensi and Grace can't wait for their Mom to see what they bought her. Earrings. Cool earrings. Kari loved cool jewelry.


• Candles. Cake. Soooo much laughter. So much love.



• SO MUCH LOVE. SO MUCH LIFE.

There is no such birthday celebration with Kari today.

Two little girls no longer have their Mommy. Worse. They are being fed lies about their Mommy.

The Dulins no longer have their daughter. The man they once loved like a son saw to that.
The man who took her life is still free....but that will change. That WILL change. JUSTICE FOR KARI!

Hear me today, Matt Baker. (I know you come to this blog. I see you.) You may have taken Kari from this life, but you can't take her memory from us.

WE CELEBRATE WHAT KARI MEANT TO US!! HER SPIRT. HER PASSION. HER LOVE FOR HER GIRLS. HER LOVE FOR HER FAMILY....HER FRIENDS!!

HER LAUGHTER.
HER PASSION.

KARI LIVES BECAUSE SHE WAS LOVED!! KARI LIVES BECAUSE SHE IS STILL LOVED.




A friend of Kari's who works at Spring Valley Elementary wrote the following poem after Kari's death. What better day to share friendship than one's birthday.

Paths

I look for you each day.
But you are not there.
Just a memory of what once was.
I listen to hear your voice.
But now there is silence.
I wish for your funny gestures to make my day.
But now, all are memories in my mind.
Now, I sit here trying to get through the day.
Some days are better than others.
I know you always said,
“To believe in yourself.”
Follow your heart and your dreams.
Go with your gut!
We were raised to be strong women.
But how strong must one be.
Being strong is so hard sometimes.
Each day seems to get tougher and tougher.
I know that God only gives us what we can handle.
But sometimes I question how much one can take.
I look to the sky each day and
Pray to God to show me the way.
I thank God for blessing me to have a friend like you.
A friend, who shared her laughter, her wisdom
And her understanding of life.
We certainly shared a lot in the time we had.
I treasure each and every moment we shared.
I will always hold you dear to my heart.
I will never forget you.
Your spirit will live within each
One of us who knew you.
And one day our paths will cross again.
Later."

Kerrvillian3

Kerrville - Topix

Kerrvillian 1, 2 and 3 have much to say. Check out 1 and 2 in the link above. Here's 3, dated July 28:

"I actually went to high school with this guy. He was ok until his Senior year in high school. He became grossly arrogant and very big headed. It actually got to the point that it was sickening. Which baffled me because he didn't have that much going for him. Perhaps, he got it from his mother. I knew her too and she was very arrogant and dominant with no sense of humility.

His Senior year, Matt enjoyed dating younger, impressionable girls and then dumping them once he knew that he had won their affections and got bored with them. I can remember two different instances of that his Senior year alone. I saw him years later at Baylor. He had not changed a bit. Still as arrogant as the last day I saw him.

I have read the police affidavit and many things don't add up, not even close. If it was one or two things that didn't add up, maybe, but there are numerous things in that report that don't add up at all! I have lived this life long enough to know that innocent people don't act that way and depressed/suicidal people don't act that way either. Innocent people don't have important evidence just "disappear". Too many things fall short of the mark. It wouldn't surprise me to find out he did it, so arrogant in himself to think that no one would question him because he is Matt Baker, a preacher.

Also, when you have numerous females come forward and tell similiar stories of how he tried to force himself on them is a testament to his character. If it was one or two that know each other, maybe, but when it's several different women, years apart, that might be a sign that it could be true. If I had good money to bet, I sure wouldn't bet it on Matt Baker's innocense and I sure would have my kids, especially my daughter, round this "preacher"!!"