Editorial article found in the Baylor University Lariat. Thanks for attention to "Kari's Law," Claire.

Editorial: Texas legislators should comply with Waco family's push for 'Kari's Law'
Claire Taylor
Baylor Lariat Staff

"The question of how many other similar cases exist and have been overlooked as a result of the current Texas law is an unsettling one. While an autopsy cannot provide all the answers needed in a murder case, it can at least serve as a deterrent to those thinking of masking a murder as a suicide in the future.

Regardless of what the "right" answer may be, this is an issue that needs to be addressed. Citizens are concerned enough about it to bring it to the attention of legislators, and our lawmakers should ensure that the proper consideration be given to it. It is obvious that the current system has failed, so a healthy dialogue about this is certainly in order."

The article is also about the Purdy's letters to Justice of the Peace Billy Martin and other state and local officials about "Kari's Law." Don't forget to mail your letters if you haven't already. The links to download the letters are on the top of the right column here on the blog. Thank you all for your support, encouragement, dedication and letter-writing for this potentially life-saving law.


*Thanks to "News" for finding this and letting me know. ;)

Coming Soon....

You guys asked for it, you got it. Thanks to Linda R. for ordering a new batch of bumper stickers! I will let you know when they are in and when you can send your SASE's in for your "Love Trumps Evil" stickers.

Don't forget to send in your letters if you haven't had a chance yet. I have the links to the two letters in the top right column of the blog so you can find and share them easily. Let me know if you have any trouble with the downloads or any questions at all.

God bless you all!!

**More news and links on today's news later.......

Matt Baker files motion for new trial, citing attorneys' poor performances
Tommy Witherspoon
WacoTrib.com

Problem with printing letters

Many of you were having trouble with the docstoc.com website letting you download and print the letters. Someone suggested (Thanks, News) to try Google Docs. So here goes:

Kari's Law - Letter to Justice of the Peace Billy Martin

Kari's Law - General Letter

Let me know via comment here or email if this does or does not work for you. Sorry for the trouble. This is something new for me. Thanks for all your support!!

Editorial in today's Waco Tribune Herald

This is an EXCELLENT editorial that can be found at WacoTrib.com.

EDITORIAL: After Matt Baker case, law should require deaths undergo autopsy before ruled suicide

"But what if the Dulins hadn’t been so driven in their efforts to reopen the case? What if the death of Kari Baker — drugged, then suffocated to death by her husband — had been allowed to fall through the cracks, with little in the way of an inquest or meaningful investigation? How many cases, we now wonder, are missed because they lack determined advocates such as the Dulins?"

"Tom and Jan Purdy, of Waco, friends of the Dulins and privy to their uphill battle to reopen the investigation, are now pushing what they and others call “Kari’s Law,” which would require autopsies in such cases rather than leave the decision to authorities who are possibly overburdened with yet other duties (including issuing warrants, conducting marriages or setting bail) or are simply ill-equipped to make these critical decisions themselves."

"The idea certainly rates thoughtful consideration by lawmakers, especially considering that justices of the peace are elected positions, occupied by individuals who range widely in terms of competence, wisdom and knowledge. Many are excellent, some are not. And many do have other taxing duties." (read more)

Please click on the link and read the editorial. It's hard to pick just a couple quotes from such a richly written article.

Waco couple pushes for 'Kari's Law'

Waco couple pushes for 'Kari's Law' to make autopsies mandatory for suspected suicides
Erin Quinn
WacoTrib.com

"A retired Waco couple is pushing state officials to amend Texas law in honor of 31-year-old Hewitt teacher Kari Baker, whose husband almost got away with murder by making her death look like a suicide.

Tom and Jan Purdy wrote a letter this week to 14 local and state officials urging them to back 'Kari’s Law,' which would mandate that an autopsy is conducted on any suspected suicide." (read more)

There are so many, many things that could have been done differently at Kari's crime scene that would have alleviated all the extra pain of the last four years and money spent gaining eventual justice for Kari. There has to be change. Change in the laws. And change in the hearts and minds of those whose paychecks are signed by the taxpayers of McLennan County. Autopsies for apparent suicides. Great! Local ME's office. Great! Person in charge of declaring a suspicious death of a young, healthy, vibrant 31-year old woman to be murder or suicide getting out of bed and showing up at what could be a crime scene..........FREE!

A comment on another website brings up the cost of autopsies....and how McLennan County would be picking up the tab on those. It costs approximately $2,000 to send a body to Dallas for an autopsy. I'm sure if we had our own ME and could do the autopsies locally, it would be much less plus as someone pointed out on the WacoTrib article, McLennan County would be able to make money by offering surrounding counties a closer ME's office for their autopsies. Okay. How much county funds were spent bringing Kari's murderer to justice? How much Dulin funds were spent investigating this case to a point where it was looked at by the District Attorney's office? How many autopsies could have been done with that money? Hundreds? Thousands? Erin reports there are approximately 25 suicides in McLennan County per year. You can do the math.

Can those involved in handling Kari's murder scene and eventual investigation look into Kari's daughters' eyes, hold their hands, and say that they did everything for their mother that they would have done for one of their very own family members? I personally know many of them that could. There are many more that it's obvious didn't even come close. What level of commitment do YOU want from your elected officials and law enforcement personnel if they were investigating YOUR mother or daughter's death?

If things are done right to begin with, not only do we save hundreds of thousands of dollars, we also save the mothers and fathers, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and children of murder victims years of grievous hell on earth. And you can't put a price tag on that.

"Kari's Law"

On top of amazing and answered prayers, you all have been asking what more you can do to help. I have an answer! Tom and Jan Purdy, fellow church members with the Dulins at Calvary Baptist Church, have started an amazing campaign working to pass “Kari’s Law.” If a law like this could be passed, it would save COUNTLESS families from tragedies like the Dulins went through on top of and after the murder of their daughter, Kari. Not only that, it could even prevent some of these horrible murders set up to look like suicides if the potential murderer knew that their intended acts would be analyzed and investigated and not set aside for years and possibly never even questioned or looked at. Had a law like this been in place when Kari was murdered, it would have saved hundreds of thousands of dollars spent investigating and fighting for justice, both out of the Dulins’ pockets and the county’s pockets. It would have saved almost four years of agony and uncertainty for all involved. Kensi and Grace would never have had to live with the grievous lie that their mother left them of her own hand. Had a law like this been in place, Matt might not have even had the audacity to carry out Kari’s murder at all. “Kari’s Law” could be life saving!

The Purdy’s have drafted two letters. One is addressed specifically to Justice of the Peace Billy Martin. The other is to be sent to thirteen elected officials and some local legal experts as well. With just a little time and a few bucks for ink and postage, you can be a HUGE part in bringing about Kari’s Law. Let’s flood these offices with our letters and support and make this happen. It will honor Kari’s memory. It will save lives.

Here is a portion of one of the letters:

"We’re writing you because Texas law regarding “deaths requiring an inquest” must be changed and you can do something about it. See Texas Code of Crim. Pro §49.01 et. seq.

The tragic example necessitating this change is the case of Texas v. Matt Baker. As you know, in that case Matt Baker was found guilty of murdering his wife Kari by drugging her and then suffocating her with a pillow. During the trial, the evidence revealed that Baker staged the murder scene to make the responding officers believe Kari’s death was a suicide. An autopsy was later performed, but only after a formal inquest hearing was granted and after Kari had been interred. If, however, a full or partial autopsy would have been a mandatory requirement for apparent suicides, like it is in other states such as Oklahoma or Georgia, crucial evidence against Mr. Baker would have been better preserved.

As it stands, current Texas law states that a justice of the peace shall conduct an “inquest into the death of a person who dies if the person commits suicide or the circumstances of the death indicate that the death may have been caused by suicide.” Texas Code of Crim. Pro. §49.04. An “inquest means an investigation into the cause and circumstances of the death…, and a determination, made with or without a formal court hearing, as to whether the death was caused by an unlawful act.” Texas Code of Crim. Pro §49.01. Moreover, a justice of the peace can conduct the “inquest…at any other place determined to be reasonable by the justice.” In the Baker case, this meant that the presiding justice of the peace was able to investigate Kari Baker’s death and determine the cause via a late night phone call without getting out of bed. Finally, a justice of the peace has the sole discretion of whether to order an autopsy. Texas Code of Crim. Pro §49.10.

An illuminating article in the February 7, 2010 Waco Tribune-Herald revealed that a justice of the peace receives only six hours of training in determining deaths. With all of the other duties of a justice of the peace –performing marriages, issuing warrants, setting bail, conducting criminal and civil trials- it seems that determining death is one duty that should be void of discretion and ultimately up to a medical professional. The same article revealed that in 2009 the County spent approximately $160,000 on autopsies, all of which had to be conducted in Dallas because McLennan County is not required by law to have a medical examiner. While the point of “Kari’s Law” will be to eliminate the discretion in determining death and put that in the hands of a medical professional it seems that McLennan County should be able to hire a medical examiner based on the amount of funds that are already being expended to send these crucial cases to Dallas.

Accordingly, we are asking that you advocate for “Kari’s Law.” Since causes of death are not always obvious, especially when criminals go to great lengths to deceive law enforcement officers, “Kari’s Law” would require either a full or partial autopsy in cases where a person dies as a result of suicide. Texas does not need to experience another State v. Baker, and Texas families should not have to request a formal inquest hearing in order to find the truth."

NOTE: The docstoc.com site wasn't working right. I have uploaded these documents to Google Docs and it seems to be working fine. OR you can email me and I will attach them in my email reply. There will be some instructions in bold print at the top of each letter you download. After you make the appropriate changes to customize your letters, don’t forget to delete the instructions at the top. Thanks so much!

"Kari's Law" - General Letter

"Kari's Law" - Letter to Justice of the Peace Billy Martin

Custody

Baker loses bid for new attorney as maternal grandparents of daughters file for custody
Tommy Witherspoon
WacoTrib.com

"Baker, 38, was sentenced to 65 years in prison last month in the April 2006 suffocation and drugging death of Kari Baker, the girls’ mother. He remains in the McLennan County Jail awaiting transfer to prison.

The Dulins pledged to seek custody of the girls and make them their first priority at the completion of Baker’s trial." (read more)

Below are two more quotes from Tommy's article and my comments are bolded.

“They have a good set of friends that they have had for nearly four years now in school, and they are in good classes with good friends,” Barbara Baker said. “They are involved in sports, community activities, church activities, and the thought of changing all that terrifies them.”
Well, three and a half years ago the girls were uprooted from where they had been living, pulled out of good classes and away from good friends. In Hewitt and Waco, they were involved in sports, community activities, church activities. After killing their mother, Matt uprooted the girls' world and moved them to Kerrville. And you know what, that's okay with me. There were other grown-up issues the girls weren't old enough to understand. Matt wanted to be with his family for help. Moving happens all the time. Adults have to decide what is best. There are reasons that children don't make such huge family decisions.

The girls are convinced that their mother committed suicide and that their father has been wrongfully convicted, she said.
This is HUGE. We can't know at this point in time know what the girls would want if they were allowed to know the truth, work through it, heal and grow from it. Barbara Baker will not allow the truth in that household. She says it adamantly, wholly, time and time again. TRUTH IS NOT AN OPTION in the Baker household. And even if there is that seed in the girls hearts and minds that they do believe Kari didn't leave them of her own choosing, they would not be allowed to show it, verbalize it, question it. TRUTH IS NOT AN OPTION in the Baker household. I could live with moving and uprooting. It sucks for kids. Sucks for kids all around the world that are moving for the family's (and their) best interest and wellbeing. What I can't stand is a murdered woman's children being force-fed lies for years and years and even in the face of the truth and conviction of their mother's murderer, can't embrace the truth and begin to finally heal. How can they be free to express their true feelings and thoughts in a household that simply will not allow it. Without truth, there can be no healing. I don't care if you show up to every basketball game, school play, church on Sunday, etc; if truth is barred from your home and harmful, disgusting lies piled upon these girls year in and year out ON TOP OF the complete desecration of their sweet Mother's memory and continual murder of her spirit year after year, you are not spiritually and emotionally fit to raise these two girls. Period. Without truth, what do you have? The absence of truth raises what?

I will close with a comment from the article that is left by "hb." It is worth sharing wherever it can be shared:

"This whole situation is tragic. These girls have had their lives shaped by the tragedy of the loss of their mother and now the loss of their father. The main issue must be the ultimate welfare of the girls - not just for today, this school year, but for their entire lives. The only way they can begin to heal is to honestly face the tragedies that have occurred. Living in Kerrville, I know that the girls have many good friends and are secure in their lives. My niece is one of their good friends. However, I do not believe that the Baker's will give them the counseling that is needed for the healing to occur. They still refuse to admit that Matt did anything wrong. At this point, that shows not only mindful ignorance, but neglect as well. While it may be hard to uproot them, it is better than leaving them to grow in a toxic household. That is not to say the Baker's are evil people, I am sure they are not, but there is line between support of your children and indulence [indolence] in harmful behavior. I think they have crossed that line. And looking at this from the perspective of the Dulin's, would any of you be willing to let your grandchildren stay with the family that was responsible for killing your daughter? As a parent, I would never do that and neither will Linda and Jim."

Judge denies Baker's further abuse of the system....I mean, request for YET another attorney that might possibly believe for a minute

Judge denies Matt Baker's request to replace attorney
Tommy Witherspoon
WacoTrib.com

Judge Ralph Strother of Waco's 19th State District Court denied a request today from convicted killer Matt Baker to replace his court-appointed appellate attorney.The judge told Baker that Waco lawyer Stan Schwieger is an "excellent
appellate attorney," adding that he would not have appointed him to the case if he didn't think so. (read more)

Judge Denies Ex-Pastor Matt Baker's Request For A New Attorney
Eli Ross
KWTX - Channel 10

WACO (February 8, 2010)—State District Judge Ralph Strother said no Monday to a request from former Waco pastor Matt Baker for a new attorney to represent him as he appeals his conviction for murder in the April 2006 suffocation death of his wife Kari Lynn.

"When you rely on the taxpayers you don't get to choose,” Strother told Baker Monday.

"Stop listening to people who have no knowledge of the system,” Strother said. (read more)

My Two Cents on Justice of the Peace Martin

While reading Erin Quinn's article, Justices of Peace have leeway in dealing with death issues, on the WacoTrib.com this morning, several things came to mind. A couple of quotes, in particular, from her article speak volumes: (italic emphasis by me)

"Texas law states that a justice of the peace can conduct an inquest — or determine the cause and circumstances of a person’s death — where the person died, where the body was found, or 'at any other place determined to be reasonable by the justice.'”

"With no qualifications required, a vague law to follow and only voters as
their bosses, McLennan County’s eight justices of the peace make rulings on
every death, even those attended by some physicians. They can seek information
from the person’s family, an autopsy, law enforcement, doctors and what they’ve
learned in their training."

I left a comment on the online article, but I think it was either too long or contained a link or maybe just too bold to be published. So I will just post it here in my forum and invite your comments and thoughts on the matter:

Erin, those two quotes from your article speak volumes. As citizens of McLennan County, we have the authority and duty to vote in the best people to be our Justices of the Peace. We have to vote in Justices of the Peace that are not only wise and vigilant but also inquisitive and caring enough that we can trust them to use this wisdom and vigilance to make informed, reasonable determinations.

Granted, there are not a lot of murders in Hewitt, Texas and this is not routine for these officers. Mistakes were made, yes. But at least three officers/detectives with the Hewitt PD made reference to an autopsy. The following information is all on the record and can be found by viewing or downloading the August 29, 2007 formal inquest proceedings from the WacoTrib.com. You will find that link here: http://www.wacotrib.com/news/crime/MattBaker/

Sergeant Kasting was the FIRST one to call JP Martin. He reported his findings at the scene to him. He read the typed suicide note to JP Martin. I do not know if he indicated to him that it was an un-signed, typed note or not. That would be interesting to know. Then Detective Bond arrives at the scene and takes the photographs and asks Kasting if an autopsy was ordered. Detective Bond must have had a reason to ask. Sergeant Kasting didn't specifically ask JP Martin if he wanted to order an autopsy in his first phone call so he called JP Martin a SECOND time and specifically asked about ordering an autopsy. JP Martin said that no, at that time he wasn't going to order one. Then Detective Cooper arrives on the scene. He and Sergeant Kasting discuss their observations. Detective Cooper asks specifically if he had contacted a justice of the peace and Kasting said that he had and that JP Martin did not want to order an autopsy. Detective Cooper was concerned enough that he contacted JP Martin himself. This was the THIRD phone call by authorities on the scene to JP Martin in the early morning hours of April 8. Detective Cooper went over his observations with JP Martin and even on this third phone call, JP Martin still did not order an autopsy. Detective Cooper was still so concerned about this lack of order for autopsy, that he called his police captain and informed him of the situation. Police captain actually said it was okay and that if the justice of the peace didn't want an autopsy, they wouldn't have one.

Lots of balls were dropped during this whole investigation and ordeal leading up to Matt's second arrest, indictment and finally his conviction. And I know that people make mistakes and that Justice of the Peace Martin is only human. But God Lord, even after THREE phone calls from authorities on the scene, he doesn't think it's even important or curious enough to pause, ask questions or attempt to come to the scene for himself? This was his "reasonable determination"? I would also like to add that even on the witness stand at the murder trial, JP Martin seemed to take no responsibility or have any regrets for not ordering an autopsy on Kari's murdered body. Has he learned nothing from this horrible mistake? Has he done the same thing since Kari's murder? Will he continue to do so in the future? Is this what the voters and taxpayers of McLennan County deserve from their justices of the peace?

I do give thanks that in August of 2007, Justice of the Peace Martin finally rose to the task of asking investigative questions at this formal inquest and taking the big step forward in changing his previous un-investigated ruling on cause of death as suicide to the slightly more-informed ruling on cause of death as undetermined. That started the ball rolling for Justice for Kari. For that, I do thank you Justice Martin. And I hope and pray that all of McLennan County Justices of the Peace remember the travesty of justice shown to Kari Dulin Baker (and her daughters and family) for so long before due diligence finally came to her murder case.

Expert Opinion VS Baker Opinion

Convicted killer Baker, appellate attorney seek to part ways
Tommy Witherspoon
WacoTrib.com

"Baker’s letter says he wants to fire Schwieger “due to his refusing to represent me appropriately in a post-conviction motion (i.e. motion for new trial).”

Baker’s mother, Barbara Baker, said Thursday the Bakers are seeking to replace Schwieger because he reportedly told them he did not intend to file a motion for new trial, which is rarely granted.

She said he told them that he would wait for a transcript of the trial to be prepared and then file a direct appeal." (read more)

God forbid the self-proclaimed "Baker Duet" take the advice of an experienced appellate attorney in state and federal court and instead insist on playing this out according their their thoughts on the matter. Go ahead and throw precedent and legal logic out the window and then call foul on the system when it doesn't work for you. Looks like the final nail in this coffin will be self-imposed.

Tommy also has an update on Vanessa in the article.

VIDEO: Channel 25 - Bruce Gietzen's phone interview with Barbara Baker
KXXV.com

Whoops! Another one ran for the door.........

Report from KCENTV.com

"The former Central Texas pastor charged with the murder of his wife, Matt Baker, seems to be having legal problems.
Thursday morning Baker's appellate attorney, Stan Schwieger, submitted a motion to withdraw from Baker's case." (read more)

Baker asks for new lawyer in murder case appeal
Tommy Witherspoon
WacoTrib.com

"The judge said that Waco attorney Stan Schwieger presented his court Thursday with a motion to withdraw as Baker's appellate attorney." (read more)

View Matt's handwritten letter to Judge Strother here in Tommy's article linked above.

Matt Baker files a motion requesting a new appeals lawyer
Channel 25 - KXXV.com

"WACO - Convicted murderer and former pastor Matt Baker has filed a motion to
withdraw Stan Schwieger as his appeals attorney." (read more)

Wonder why no attorneys want anything to do with the "murdering minister"? Hearing scheduled Monday at 10:00 to discuss this matter. Should be interesting.

In answer to your emails....

Goodness. So many people have contacted me via email and phone about how they can help the Dulins in this next leg of their legal journey as they work to get Kensi and Grace the help they need. Professional help for them....to replace hate with love....give them back their childhood....let them know it is okay to love their Mom, their Mom's family....and yes, still love their Dad! No one in Kari's family wants these girls to feel pulled or hurt more than they already are. However, this won't be easy because Matt Baker's family seems determined to continue this charade and denial and for that, that ultimate losers are the girls.....Kari's daughters!! Without the truth, there can be no healing. How can someone without even one loving thing to say about their Mother raise them with the real truth of how much their Mother loved them and how she did not leave them by her own hand? Matt's mother statements about Kari have always been completely negative...even going to far as to say that, "Suicide is an answer to pain you can't get rid of......and that it was not a bad answer for her [Kari]."

Kensi and Grace deserve, above all, to know their Mother adored them! Loved them beyond measure! Would have never left them! They deserve to know, work through and blossom on the other side of the truth!

I believe that the Dulins are Kensi and Graces VERY BEST (and possibly only) way for them to grow up whole and free from lies and hate and be able to heal with the truth. As you can hear and see for yourself in Linda's victim's impact statement, Jim and Linda have forgiven Matt. They are not harboring hate in their hearts or home. They just want truth, love and freedom for Kari's daughters.

A portion of an email from a friend, Sadie, hits the nail on the head.... "Bottom line: The Bakers cannot hold the delusional (or self-protecting) line that Matt is innocent and Kari committed suicide -- and that the Dulins had Matt railroaded,etc., -- without harming the girls and their ability to cope with the truth about their parents."

Okay. I'm not saying what you don't already know. I have received so many emails and phone calls saying the very same things. For the so many of you that have expressed the desire to help the Dulins in the next leg of this journey of getting Kari's daughters the help and healing they need, please feel free to email me and we can talk. God bless you and above all, keep those prayers up!

Appeal Talk

Matt Baker files appeal, appointed new attorney
Tommy Witherspoon
WacoTrib.com

“I just didn’t have the heart for it,” said Gray, who served 25 years as the Jasper County district attorney before moving to Kerrville several years ago.

Despite Gray’s unusual post-trial comments, Schwieger said they likely won’t be fodder for his appeal.

“If his comments constitute violations of the professional rules of conduct, that does not affect the appeal,”Schwieger said. “That has nothing to do with the trial itself. If client confidences were disclosed, or whatever, at that point, it has nothing to do with the appellate process.” (read more)

FYI: The WacoTrib.com has a page that lists all their coverage on the Baker case. It's pretty handy for those catching up and keeping up with the case.

WacoTrib.com Baker Case

Gomer Pyle voice: "Surprise.....Surprise......"

Former Waco Pastor Matt Baker Files Notice Of Appeal

"WACO (January 25, 2010)—Matt Baker, 38, the former Baptist pastor who was sentenced to 65 years in prison Thursday for the 2006 murder of his wife Kari Lynn, will appeal his murder conviction.

Harold Danford, one of the two attorneys who represented Baker during the trial, filed notice of appeal late Monday afternoon.

Because Baker doesn’t have the money to hire an attorney to handle the appeal, State District Judge Ralph Strother said he appointed Waco lawyer Stan Schwieger to represent him." (read more)

I think Danford wanted to make darn sure that he did as much of his duty as he had to to not get in trouble and for the 2nd time, asked for and received his formal "withdraw from counsel" from Strother.

I don't know who this Schwieger attorney is....but I'll start praying for him. And if that doesn't work, I'll bet dollars to donuts Guy and Harold will be saving a seat for him for NinfaRitas all around.

Victim Impact Statements

I want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to see the heartfelt and amazing Victim Impact statements made by Kari's best friend, Jill Hotz, and her mother, Linda. Kari was a beautiful, strong, Christian woman and she was surrounded by her kind.

This video shows the sentence verdict being read followed by the statements of Jill and Linda.

Verdict & Victim Impact Statements

WacoTrib.com Editorials for Sunday, January 24

I'm so behind I don't even know where to start. But I wanted to post links to this powerful Editorial, Letter to the Editor and Guest Column all in today's WacoTrib.com.

EDITORIAL: Matt Baker trial yielded many lessons, including the power of tenacity

"The Matt Baker trial is over and the 38-year-old former Central Texas pastor begins a 65-year sentence for the murder of his wife, Kari, whose mysterious death in Hewitt in 2006 spurred a virtual crusade in our community mounted by her family and friends. Evidence of it could be seen in the courthouse parking lot this past week: bumper stickers that read 'Justice for Kari.'” (read more)

Murder Investigations

"Kari Baker’s death was a true tragedy. But hopefully this sad saga will bring public attention to the biases and prejudices that underline our legal system.

Emotions run high when someone is killed, and the deceased is not there to tell his or her story. So it is the sacred duty of law enforcement officials to protect the rights of the dead." (read more)

Diana Garland, guest column: Don't call it an affair. Call it abuse of power

"We cannot and should not dismiss the chain of events that followed and led, almost incomprehensibly, to the murder of a young mother whose parents and daughters now have an irreplaceable void in their lives. But if we focus on how this extramarital relationship began, we see a textbook example of clergy sexual misconduct, a felony offense in Texas according to the state penal code (Chapter 22: Assaultive Offensives). Matt Baker’s crime of sexual misconduct as a religious leader — long before he plotted to add murder —was not only immoral but criminal." (read more)

Praise God! Justice is served!!

God is good. All the time.

I'll be back shortly! I cannot wait to share how God's glorious hand was all over this. Prayers of much thanksgiving all across the country.

For now, I wanted to create a post where you can leave a message for Kari's family. The support and prayers of so many have been a life-support during the last almost 4 years. Share your love and blessings here.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE!

JUSTICE FOR KARI!

Here's to 2010 !!

Hope everyone has a safe and wonderful New Years. Lots to look forward to in the coming year. God bless you all!

As a possible, maybe witness for the State, the gag order imposed on lawyers, parties of the case and witnesses has finally reached out to me. So in order to not risk predjucing anything, I will have to hold off all reports and commentaries until the end of the trial. But then, look out! I'll make up for lost time.

In order to keep up with what the news stories, I'll link you up to the local news sources. They'll be covering it all along the way. Just check it each day during the trial. I might be able to link news links/titles along the way, but not sure now. So here goes:

WacoTrib.com <----Check daily for Erin Quinn's live blog.

Watch the trial live on MYTX. My Texas Television is on Channel 9.2, which is also local cable Channel 132.

You can also watch the trial live at www.centraltexasnow.com.

KWTX.com

KXXV.com

KCENTV.com


Let's chat on the "other side."
FYI: By "other side," I mean after the trial.

JUSTICE FOR KARI!!

My "LAYMAN'S" Interpretation of today's events

Again. Keyword: Layman.

This is just what I typed out from my notes this morning. I haven't really proofed it yet but wanted to get this out as I have had emails and calls asking how things went. Here is my unproofed, typed from scribbled notes, layman's interpretation of the pre-trial hearing this morning:

First thing I want to comment on is that Matt brought the girls to this hearing. Paraded them in front of news cameras. They were in the courtroom for a while and then they sat outside during the actual hearing. The "run to hug after Dad exited the courtroom" caught on video for sure. Most parents that truly love their children and want to protect them, shield them from being a public spectacle. Not Matt. He parades them like trophies soley for sympathy and pity. Is this him trying to show the world he's a great father? Little late for that. The people of McLennan County (and potential jurors) see right through that charade. Shameful.

Motion to Request Reveal Agreement GRANTED
Defendant wants to know what the agreement between the State and Vannessa entails. Crawford said he will make that known some time prior to trial. Didn't say when. Judge granted to this extent that Crawford said. It's left rather open and in the State's discretion and timing.

Motion to Quash Substance of Indictment DENIED
Danford went on about the "means unknown" part in the Indictment. Crawford pointed out that the State is allowed to plead "means unknown" or "alternative means" or "by any means known" or "by any means unknown." Pointed out that McDuff was tried, convicted and executed under such Indictment and trial wording.

Motion to Reveal Witness List GRANTED
It's been public record for a while now anyway. Gray pointed out that the State can call witnesses that are not on the subpoena list and he wants full list. Crawford says the subpoena list is the full list, including experts, to date. If they get more in the future, he will make known to the Defense.

Motion for Voir Dire of Experts GRANTED
Shafer said that the expert list was made known a month ago. Gray says the State claims to have an open file stance but that it seems to be more like 90% open. Crawford agreed. Judge was fine with that, it seemed.

Motion for Recovery of Expenses GRANTED
Gray and Danford said they need more money for their investigator to look into all those witnesses. Gray pointed out that they have nto asked the Court for money for experts, that they have none they intend to call. They just want more investigative money. Judge agreed to $1,500. Fine by me.

Motion for Discovery of Experts AGREED UPON
Defense claims they have no experts but if they come up with one/some, Gray says he'll make that known. Shafer pointed out that experts are supposed to be made public 20 days prior to trial. Gray says they just don't have any right now. But if/when he does, he'll let them know. State says most likely they'll actually call 2-3 of their experts.

Motion for Gray to withdraw as counsel DENIED
I'm confused on this one. I *thought* he said (through mumbling) that is was a scheduling conflict. He wasn't sure he'd be able to finish the trial if he started it. Something about it being in his (Gray's) best interest to withdraw but if Court says for him to stay on, he'll do so. But Channel 25 reports something altogether different. They may have talked more about it with him or the Judge or heard him better than I did. They say, "One of Baker's attorney's, Guy James Gray, asked to be removed from the case because of 'serious and material breach of conduct' - this was denied this morning." Will find out more. KWTX's words included the phrase "serious and material breach of confidence." Judge asked Matt Baker if he wanted Gray to stay on, he said yes. So Gray is still on for now.

Gray said he wanted to renew Ellison's request for the Grand Jury testimony of Vanessa Bulls to be made known to them. He said they had a "particularized need" to have that. Crawford so eloquently pointed out that the Texas Rules have done away with the "particularized need" aspect. Gray admitted with an awkward chuckle that sometimes the Texas Rules get away from him in changing so fast. Crawford pointed out that the Texas Rules allows Defendants to see production of witnesses in criminal cases AFTER the witness has testified. I am supposing that means after he/she testifies at the actual trial. Gray told the Judge it was up to the Court's discretion for him to allow them to see it before trial to aid the efficiency of the trial....not cause delays. He said it was a matter of "pure d fairness.'" Judge, "DENIED." He said he'd keep an open mind. Trial is 2 weeks away. I think he'd give it to them by now if he had any intentions to. Some of the best news of the day.

Another VERY interesting thing brought up by Gray was that the DNA evidence taken on the suicide note and bottle of pills DID NOT exclude Vanessa Bull's having touched it. Oh, really?! They tried to complain that Vanessa changed her story from the first police report where she didn't imply guilt on her or Matt's part at all. Then another interview later where she still denied it. And then on the Grand Jury she changed her statement. Well, duh. Fear and testimonial immunity can open up a person's ability to tell the truth!

Gray wanted to renew Ellison's request that no extraneous extra offenses be brought up. Judge said that is routine and he'll be sure and make that known.

Some minor changes in trial dates. They will do jury voir dire and motions in limine Monday afternoon, the 11th. Trial to start the morning of the 12th.

There are approximately 70 people on the potential jury panel. Judge gave following instructions to Defense attorneys (since they had not been in trial in Judge Strother's court before) regarding voir dire of potential jurors. NO comparison on standards of proof on civil vs criminal cases. NO setting up of artificial premises and causing controversy over it for either side.

Crawford reminded Judge to enforce and remind Defense that the gag order was still in effect for involved parties. The Judge thanked him for the reminder. Judge said Danford was quoted saying something about the nature of the State's case in the newspaper and NOT to do that. Danford apologized.

Very good day in court

I will get my notes together and post my experiences in a bit. So far, KXXV.com is the only news report out on it. So I'll post that to get things started.

DEVELOPING: Matt Baker's pre-trial underway
KXXV.com
by Zlatko Filipovic

"WACO - The former preacher accused of murdering his wife and trying to make
it look like suicide is having his first day in court Wednesday morning. Matt Baker showed up for a pre-trial hearing and his full trial is set to begin on January 12th. News Channel 25 is in the court and this is what happened so far:" (read more)

Their website says they will have more information on the Texas Report at 11:00 am, Channel 25, KXXV.


Story has now popped up on KWTX.com

Murder Trial Of Former Waco-Area Pastor Matt Baker Could Take 2 Weeks
KWTX.com
Eli Ross

"WACO (December 30, 2009)—The trial of former Waco-area pastor Matt Baker, who was indicted murder in the death of his wife, could take two weeks, 19th District Judge Ralph Strother said Wednesday during the final hearing before the start of the trial on Jan. 11."

AND

"Strother denied a defense request Wednesday for a transcript of the grand jury testimony of Baker’s former girlfriend Vanessa Bulls, but granted a defense motion seeking additional funds for an investigator." (read more)

Yesterday's courthouse visit....

VERY interesting day at the courthouse yesterday. Not your typical pop-in-and-check-on-records trip in the district clerk's office.

There are some VERY interesting people and businesses on the 100+ witness subpoena applications. But I won't get into those here at this time. If you're wondering if you're on the list, you can email me.

Matt has a new attorney (again) assisting Gray in this matter. His name is Harold J. Danford, a big-wig DWI attorney. Go figure. He is the one that drafted the various motions that the Court will take into consideration at the pre-trial hearing tomorrow. Here are some that I copied down along with my layman's interpretation. Keyword "layman."

Motion to Request State to Reveal Agreement
They are dying to know what Matt's *alleged* girlfriend, Vanessa Bulls, told the Grand Jury that secured the immediate indictment for first degree felony murder. The Judge has denied this motion for months. Don't know what his plan is but he's a wise man and we'll see what he does tomorrow. The defense also wants to know what the agreement is between the DA's office and Vanessa that offers her prosecutorial (sp?) immunity in this case. Very understandable. We'll see what the Judge thinks.

Motion to Quash and Exception to Substance of Indictment
They don't like that the indictment doesn't detail one specific manner of death that they need to prepare their defense for.

"Further, the indictment alleges 'by administering drugs and suffocating her with a pillow.' The defendant is entitled to know exactly what charge the State plans to proceed on at trial. This indictment alleges three separate means of murder and the defendant is entitled to know by which means the State plans to proceed. The State must make an election as to which manner and means it intends to proceed to trial under."

All three sentences say the exact same thing. These motions could be reduced to a paragraph if they weren't puffed and fluffed so much. Basically, they're confused on how to direct their defense. Why is that complicated? If he didn't murder her in any manner, he didn't murder her in any manner.

Motion to Quash and Exception to Form of Indictment
Again, discussing which manner of death they need to defend. Also,

"Wherefore, premises considered, Matt Baker prays that the Court quash the
indictment due to the defects of form outlined above, and discharge Matt D.
Baker."

Good luck with that one.


Motion for Witness List
Well, that's already filed. I got it yesterday. They also are asking for the reports and data of expert witnesses. They want criminal records of each witness showing every conviction or probation for felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude which is admissible for impeachment. Sounds like a delay tactic to me. Do your own research if you're that worried.

Motion for Voir Dire of Experts
This would be a hearing prior to trial, sans jury, to discuss qualifications of all expert witnesses and determine the underlying facts and data upon which opinion is based. Not sure if this is what will be hashed out tomorrow or if it will be a separate hearing.

Motion for Recovery of Investigative Expenses
Matt's investigator has billed for another $1,500.

Defendants Motion for Discovery of Experts
Just more wanting info on experts.


The divulging of witnesses is a one-way street, it seems. The State has to post their list of witnesses but the defense does not. It's annoying but it's alright. The evidence is heavily in the State's favor. I can't imagine who or what the defense could call that would outweigh the facts and evidence.

Until tomorrow.....

More on pre-trial motions...

Baker trial approaches: 97 witnesses subpoenaed; defense lawyer wants information about alleged girlfriend's deal to testify
Tommy Witherspoon
WacoTrib.com

"Most of the pretrial motions filed last week by Danford are routine. However, in one, Baker is asking the judge to order prosecutors to reveal the details of any agreements they entered into to obtain the testimonies of witnesses, especially Bulls, Baker’s alleged former girlfriend.

Judge Matt Johnson granted Bulls testimonial immunity before her March 25 grand jury appearance, meaning nothing she said during her testimony could be used against her. Baker’s lawyers have been unsuccessful thus far in gaining access to a transcript of her grand jury testimony, after which Baker was indicted." (read more)

Pre-Trial Hearing - December 30

Date Set For Murder Trial Of Former Waco-Area Pastor Matt Baker
KWTX.com

"WACO (December 23, 2009)--Former Waco-area pastor Matt Baker, who was
indicted murder in the death of his wife, is set for a final pre-trial hearing next week in Waco before his trial begins in January. Baker and his attorney will appear in Judge Ralph Strother's 19th State District Court next Wednesday for the final pre-trial hearing.

Baker's trial is set to begin on Jan. 11, 2010.

Assistant McLennan County District Attorneys Susan Schaeffer and
Crawford Long are prosecuting the case." (read more)

Trial dates set for Matt Baker
KXXV.com

"19th District Court records show Matt Baker is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on Dec. 30 and his full trial is set to begin on Jan. 11." (read more)

Justice in 2010

Mark your calendars for justice to finally arrive mid-January 2010. Jury selection starts January 12 with the trial following. Less than a month away now. We have all waited long enough. And it is time. We've waited long enough for this justice and to hold Matt Baker responsible for taking my son's teacher, Jim and Linda's daughter, Adam's sister....but most importantly Kensi and Grace's Mother.

Once all the evidence is laid out there for everyone to see, it will all be so clear....beyond a reasonable doubt....that Matt Baker must spend the rest of his life in prison for his crime.

Did he really think he would get away with murder? That good people would walk away and JUST FORGET? Kari was loved and WE fight for those we love....and they don't even have to be our own blood. This profound sense of justice and love may not be something someone like Matt Baker would understand. It's powerful stuff.

JUSTICE FOR KARI (AND KENSI & GRACE) IN 2010!

"If something happens, check out my husband...."

I received an email from someone else whose life was tragically touched by a possible Eraser Killer. With permission, I am sharing that with you here.

I just wanted to tell you what an impact that Kari’s case has made on me. You see, my own Mother was supposedly found pulseless, with blue lips, and cold in early March of 2008 by her then husband. As the twisted story unraveled, it became more and more clear that he had done something to our Mother. We believe he suffocated her as well, after shoving pills in her mouth to make it look like she had overdosed or something.

These men out there, that have such disregard for life, that they feel they must kill in order to be less burdened or feel they are going to lose there belonging because of a divorce they would rather commit such terrible acts, just make me sick. In my Mother’s case, the ambulance was called almost 45 minutes after he said he found her and only when her best friend came over to drive her to her Dr. Appt she had. The paramedics worked on her all the way to the hospital, then the hospital worked on her for well over an hour, finally regaining a pulse, but it was to late because she was brain dead due to lack of oxygen. My Mother was 2 days before turning 61.

My mother's case is an open investigation that seems to just drag on. We are trying to get Mama exhumed, but the case is just dragging. I have had to hire a team of private investigators, including a forensics death nurse to assist in the investigation because of the slow pace of the sheriff’s office.

I just want you and Kari’s family to know that there are more of these “Eraser” killers out there than you know and I pray that you get the justice for Kari that you deserve. I know what a relief this will be for you, when he is convicted. I too, await that day when my monster step father pays for what he did to my Mother. He remarried another woman 5 weeks after my Mother was buried, and her name is the same name as my Mama, and she is the same age as well as body build. These men are truly evil and the thing about it is he thinks he has gotten away with this. Just like I am sure Matt felt until he was finally arrested. And "his" timeline of
events is as way off on his version of the "truth" as Matt's is.

Kari’s case is so similar to my mother’s that it put chills on me when I watched it. I know the pain you all carry day to day, because I share the same pain.

I emailed her back thanking her for her email and to let her know I'd add her to my prayers. I also asked if I might share her story on the blog. The following is a portion of her response:

Thank you so much for your kind response. All prayers are certainly needed and most certainly deeply appreciated.

We did not do an autopsy at the time of my Mother’s death. “He” had told me and my siblings he had feared she had “overdosed” due to pills coming out of her mouth when he arrived home. I wanted to have the autopsy done, but my siblings just could not bear it, especially thinking that Mama could have overdosed accidentally or utherwise. So for sake of not fighting at the hospital, it was not done.

I turned over all of my Mother’s medical reports from the ambulance, hospitals and her regular Dr.’s to the forensics death nurse who is also a licensed private investigator. She went through each report and evaluated her findings. She also is the one that introduced me to “Eraser” killers and felt “HE” met the profile. She has assisted many different agencies as an expert witness. I felt she was truly needed, as I had to show the sheriff’s office that we believed foul play was involved and that it was not just a stroke , natural causes or any other excuse they could find. I have found her knowledge and expertise in this field, crucial to my Mama’s case.

Shannon, I am honored that you offered to put my email on your blog. Please, Please do so. I believe the more it is put out there, that these monsters exists amongst us, the more educated people can become. My Mama also told her best friend around a month before her death “if anything happens to me look into “HIM.” Just like Kari.

I just ask that you do not use my name or Mama’s name at this time. Also, my private investigators wanted me to let you know how we “all” had watched the re-airing of Kari’s story coincidentally at the same time and how it effected all of us. We “all” just could not believe the similarities, almost as if “HE” had taken notes from Matt.

You have no idea the pains I have been through to get the authorities to listen to me and look into that monster that was married to my Mother. My Mother would still be here today if it were not for “HIM”, just as I am convinced Kari would be still here as well. That is what is so tragic. So full of life and love for their families only to have the life snuffed out of them by a bold faced, lying, manipulative, coward who could only see the importance of their on life and no one else’s.

May God bless Kari's family with the justice deserved as you all approach the trial, and I will be praying for her family, as well as continuing my own quest for justice for my sweet Mother.

For more information on Eraser Killers, please re-visit my post Eraser Killers - Men Who Make Women Disappear. Also, check into Marilee Strong's book, "Erased: Missing Women, Murdered Wives."

And don't miss the article on lemondrop.com discussing Strong's book. In the photo gallery, you'll find Matt Baker listed in the company of Scott Peterson, Mark Hacking, Ira Einhorn, Tim Boczkowski, Barton Corbin and Drew Peterson. The experts see this so clearly.

Thoughts from Kari's BFF

Jill Hotz left this message as a comment on another post. I wanted to share it here so it wouldn't be missed. Beautiful words, Jill. Thanks for sharing them.

"Kari Baker lives in the spirit of her girls. Sometimes its in a smile, or a look or a laugh. She's there, there is no erasing her mark. Kari Baker is still there when her students overcome academic odds and when her friends can't see through the tears. She lives in the hearts of all of us who cherished her. I will proudly proclaim my honor and loyalty to Kari. Justice is coming soon."

More on the postponement

Murder trial for former Baptist minister Matt Baker pushed back to January
Tommy Witherspoon
WacoTrib.com

"The unavailability of the medical examiner who performed an autopsy on Kari Baker has forced the postponement of Matt Baker’s murder trial." (read more)

While I hate to have a delay in getting down to the business of justice, it's better to wait until all the prosecution's experts and witnesses can be there to give their testimony. This medical examiner must have really good stuff that the DA's office wants the Judge and jury to hear. So all in all, it's a good thing.


KWTX.com reports: Matt Baker Murder Trial Reset for 2010

"The medical examiner also reported there was evidence she had been smothered." (read more)

Very interesting. Evidence. Smothered.

Baker murder trial rescheduled

Baker murder trial rescheduled
Bruce Gietzen with Channel 25 News reports:

"WACO - Just before 3 pm News Channel 25 Matt Baker's murder trial has been for more than three months and has now been rescheduled for January 12, 2010. The former Waco-area pastor is charged with killing his wife, Kari, by drugging her with sleeping pills and then suffocating her with a pillow in the bedroom of their Hewitt home.

A spokesperson in Judge Ralph Strother's 19th District Court confirmed the schedule change, saying some of the witnesses in the case could not participate September 29th, when the trial was set to begin." (read more)

Will let you know more when I know more.

Gatesville High School Pageant

Kari's cousin, David, emailed me a couple of pictures from a Gatesville High School pageant that Kari was in. She was a freshman. David a sophmore. The GHS pageant had representatives from different organizations in the school and they were representing the speech team. In the first photo, they were "nerdy debaters." LOL


Thanks, David, for another "blast from the past." I know that Kari's family and friends will love the memory and those that didn't know Kari will enjoy seeing yet another wonderful part of Kari's gregarious and active life.

Someone is "Concerned"

At the bottom of the WacoTrib.com's recent article about this case, you will find some comments. One made this morning by "Concerned" shows just how concerned a certain individual is. They should have signed their comment "Desperate but have nothing else." I had to respond. Below you will find "Concerned's" comment followed by mine.

"By Concerned
Aug 31, 2009 8:05 AM Link to this
Kari was a disturbed individual. The media and her family are in total denial. Every year around the date of her daughter's death she could not function as a human being. She would spend at least a week in bed and on medication to get over the week. I hope that the jury hears the truth in this case and not just what her parents want them to hear."

"By Shannon
Aug 31, 2009 8:41 AM Link to this
Dear Concerned, Kari is not the disturbed individual involved here. And if you truly knew her, you wouldn't/couldn't say that. Unless you are the one person that did know her that is desperate for the world to believe your lies. I (among many, many others) saw Kari almost daily during March and April and did not see, hear, experience this "could not function as a human being" you talk of. And as you know, she did not die during that "week" anyway. In fact, I saw Kari that Friday afternoon and she was upbeat, jovial and making plans for the weekend and her new job. You gotta give up that lame defense. Mountains of evidence to refute it. And don't worry, the jury will hear all kinds of truth. The DA's office (not the Dulins) is running this show and he's got this thing lock, stock and barrel. There is only one thing you should be concerned about and my guess is that you very much are."

* At this time, there is a Kerrville IP address on this blog. Has been for at least 33 minutes. Probably came right over here after leaving said comment on the Trib. I may be wrong. Just an observation.
** Now this same person is showing up Unknown city. Same IP address. But "in disguise."

Trib article on picking a jury for preacher cases....

Picking Central Texas jurors for trials of pastors can be 2-edged sword
Tommy Witherspoon
WacoTrib.com

"When the criminal defendant is a preacher, politician or police officer —
occupations that elicit strong emotions in a number of areas — attorneys
sometimes spend extra time during jury selection trying to find out prospective
jurors’ attitudes about that and related topics." (read more)

I can only imagine the intricacies involved. It is very much a double-edge sword. Don't you think? It's a very interesting topic for discussion. But regardless, the facts of this case will stand firm in the minds of those on all ends of the religious views spectrum. Justice is justice....even when it's a long time coming.

Jury selection is scheduled to start September 28th. Trial following.

Thoughts of Kari on her birthday

Are there birthdays in Heaven?
Does the angel blow his horn?
Announcing to everybody
That this is the day you were born?

Can the stars be your balloons
And angel food your cake?
Presents wrapped in moonbeams
All the angels helped to make.

Birthdays meant so much to you
They were always a big deal
Birthday presents, lots of friends
And perhaps a special meal.

So I’ll whisper a little prayer today
Asking everyone up above
To sing you a Happy Birthday song
And give you all our love.

~ Author Unknown ~

The next to last picture is how I personally see Kari in my mind. The last picture is how I'm going to think of her today. Happy Birthday, my friend.

Click here to read last year's birthday post.

****I put up the Birthday Song because at this point, I think Kari would want us to miss her and laugh...wipe the tears....and laugh out loud. Lord knows she gave us plenty of reasons to. ;) Love you all!!

Pics from WCS Days.....

Had a fellow Warrior send me some pics including Kari from back in the WCS Days. THANKS!!



Click here for more great WCS photos of Kari Dulin!

A couple more pictures.......

.......from a dear friend who loved Kari dearly. Thanks Jill for the memories of you, Kari, Carrie and friends. (circa 1990-91)

Friends, Family & Sorority Sisters

48 Hours really reached a lot of people in their recent re-airing of "The Preacher's Wife." I hear that this episode was watched by so many that it was in the Top 10 for the week.

So many people contacted me to show support and encouragement for Kari's family and all those fighting for Justice for Kari and her girls. Kari's Mom has also been found and contacted by many of Kari's friends from the past, including several Pi Phi sorority sisters from Tech. A couple of them recently sent pictures to Linda and she sent them to me with permission to share here. Kari was always so involved and in the thick of the action. She is missed by so many.

Not hard to find her, but just in case: front row, first on left

Memories from a Dear Friend....

One of Kari's dear, close friends left some memories of her times with Kari in the "Share your Memories of Kari" area of this blog today. I am putting it here in a post to make sure everyone gets to read it.

"Janelle said...

My memories of Kari: We met in a sign language class at Baylor. We became friends very quickly. I visited her church and shortly afterward, I became the music minister while she served as the youth minister. We did many projects together. She also sang in the choir that I directed. She and I sang duets as well as performed songs in sign language.Kari always had her daughters decked out in the cutest clothes. She handled them with such a calmness and a bit of sarcasm thrown in for sanity's sake.Anytime there was a gathering at her house she served hot dogs. Always hot dogs. She claimed that everyone liked them and they were easy to serve.

Kari introduced me to up and coming praise music. We listened to the same 2 CD's for 2 years learning every song by heart.

I was with Kari the first night Kassidy was in the hospital. I remember that she left Kassidy for about an hour while the two of us went to the grocery store to buy groceries for a needy family that the church knew of. After leaving the groceries at the family's house, I remember eating taco bell together at the hospital! I was so amazed at her strength and faith. She was out helping others in need with the constant faith that Kassidy would be cared for. I believe I was one of the first people she called the night Kassidy passed away. I will never forget that phone call. There was nothing I could do to ease my friend's pain. I loved the way she helped explain it all to Kensi.

Kari became pregnant with Grace a month after I got pregnant. We even had the same doctor. We shared all of our aches, pains and complaints as well as our TUMS that we ate like candy for the heartburn. We even shared maternity clothes. She was excited to have Grace.

We were student teaching at the same school during our pregnancies. Neither of us enjoyed our student teaching and took turns crying to each other. We got each other through the semester, no doubt. We also took one night class that semester and carpooled together. We had to do a skit in front of the whole class (Kari was an amazing actress. She wasn't afraid to do anything!) Needless to say, we played the parts of pregnant women in that skit.

I was a first time mother and my daughter was born exactly 1 month and 1 day before Grace. Kari was so calm and relaxed. She knew exactly what she was doing with baby Grace. I panicked. She always let me know that stuff was "no big deal" and offered advice.

Kari would talk with her hands and her bracelets would jingle. Her hair was always so cute. I was envious because I could never wear my hair that way. She laughed a lot. She was very friendly. She was a hard worker and a good student. She always accomplished whatever she put her mind to. She was a good singer. She was good at sign language. Motherhood was her passion. She knew the Bible and I admired the knowledge that she had. She was compassionate. She'd cry with people over their burdens. She was one of those rare people who would ask about YOU, not just talk about herself. No doubt, Kari had a heart for Jesus.

She is in Heaven with Kassidy and constantly watching over Kensi and Grace. Nothing would be more important to her. I bet she sings with the Angels and cracks them up with something funny now and then.

I miss her very much. I always had hope that we'd be back in touch and keep our friendship going. I guess I have to wait to see her in Heaven."

Thanks so much, Janelle! What a precious friendship you two shared.

If any of you have memories to share or even have shared some and want to share some more, please feel free to do so anytime! The "Share Your Memories of Kari" link is always available in the right-hand column above the closed poll thing. Thanks! I'm sure these memories are so precious to Kari's family.

Watch 48 Hours Episode....

CBSnews.com has put "The Preacher's Wife" in its entirety on their website. So if you missed it, you can see it here.

After talking to many people from Kerrville, it would appear that the "Supporters of Matt Panel" on 48 Hours are mostly people that knew him as a child and that are friends and loyal to his parents, more so than to Matt. What they know of Matt as an adult, is post-Kari, post-arrested-for-murder, in full-defense-you-gotta-believe-me mode. And I know of at least one or two of the people that were shown on the panel regret their early-on, not-knowing-the-evidence, support of Matt and have been mortified as it comes out. That's just that I know of. I'm sure there's more. Don't think that the mass of Kerrville folks are on his side. I've heard from too many that say they, and those around them, firmly believe in Matt's guilt. Kerrville is full of wonderful, wise people.

And again, this 48 Hours was recorded and compiled over a year ago before reams and reams and reams of evidence against Matt was made public. All before his mistress spoke out to the Grand Jury and spilled something so damning that she got immunity out of telling what she knew. This is huge. At the time the show was filmed, the people on that panel had no idea about these things as they were hidden from them by the defense wanting both moral and financial support.

The first part is mainly from Matt's point of view. Keep in mind, though, that much of what he says can conveniently only be confirmed by him....since Kari is no longer here. Gives him lots of room for completely making things up. Whatever he wants to say to make Kari look depressed and/or suicidal. EVERYONE else that was around Kari says the exact opposite about her attitude, demeanor and outlook on life. So you decide who you believe...a confirmed, caught-in-the-act-dozens-of-times liar on trial for murder....or everyone else.

The rest of the show catches Matt in lies and inconsistencies and compete impossibilities of his "story" of that night being possible. And the show had access to and/or was allowed to focus in on such a small, tiny percentage of the evidence available. Imagine if it was a fresh show with all the new evidence. You come away with the feeling Matt is guilty after this? Just wait. September is coming.

Watching it again....

It's so hard to stomach all of Matt's obvious lies. So many are actually pointed out on the show. So many....so little time. There is so much concrete evidence that 48 Hours didn't have time to show....or might have not been allowed to show at that time. It's coming out now, isn't it? So much coming in Fall of 2009. Put on your seatbelts.

I watched this show with Brody tonight. His poignant remarks and observations astound me. I'm still in shock that my now 12 year old son and I are here watching this, crying, knowing, waiting. I'll never forget telling my son that weekend that Mrs. Baker was dead. I'll never forget in the next year (because of the arrest and it coming up in the news) having to tell him what I knew all along.... The look in his eyes. He's much wiser now. But it's not all that much easier.

There have been over 361 different visitors on this blog just in the last hour tonight. I can't count how many of you are on here as I write this. But the love and dedication to Kari's memory and the fight for justice is obviously felt by so many. God bless you all. Hang on. Justice is coming. And it's coming hard. Not fast. But hard.

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." ~ CBSNews.com

Watch CBS Videos Online

This was made last year just before the original airing of "The Preacher's Wife." Be sure and watch tonight with updates on recent events.