Interesting Thought...

Quoting a few sentences from a comment on the WacoTrib.com article/ad that Matt and his attorney had published yesterday:

"Furthermore, can anyone besides me see what Mr. Gray is doing? He's trying to
get a change of venue. He's a publicity hound in the style of Racehorse
Haynes." ~Saddened by This

Once this case goes national, the entire Texas jury pool will know and see and read what there is to offer. It will be impossible to hide in this great state. Newspapers and news stations in not only Waco and the surrounding area but also in Dallas, Ft. Worth, Tyler, Longview, Houston, San Antonio, Kerrville, El Paso, Abilene, Lubbock, Fredricksburg, Harlingon, Corpus Christi and many others are already reporting on this case. And that list will only grow.

You can run on for a long time....run on for a long time.......sooner or later........

:::::::::::::::: B-A-C-K-F-I-R-E

Nice try, guys.

WacoTrib.com Matt Baker says rumor, innuendo fuel murder charge against him

Very interesting -- the comments portion after the article.

Number of comments at last check = 12 (now 23 -1 that the Trib deleted*)
People who think things smell reeeeaaally bad=11 (now 19-1 that the Trib deleted*)
People in favor of Matt or at least want to reserve their thoughts= 3
This interview’s help for the prosecution = priceless

*I understand why the Trib had to delete Lora's comment so they wouldn't get in trouble by allowing posts that are that powerful and yet not proved YET. YET seems to be one of the words of the day. I'm okay with that. ;) The virtue of patience is starting to suit me.

No one will ever know?

There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.
~Jesus

Scripture for Thought....

2 Corinthians 11:13-15

"These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve."

Arrest Affidavit

Friday, September 21, 2007
Below is the text from the arrest warrant affidavit issued Friday morning for Matt Baker in the death of his wife, Hewitt teacher Kari Lynn Baker.
Matt Baker surrendered to Kerr County law enforcement officials by day’s end.
An affidavit is a sworn statement alleging probable cause to support an arrest.
Texas Ranger Matt Cawthon and Hewitt Police Det. Ben Toombs obtained the warrant. The text below has been slightly amended.

THE CITY OF HEWITT } Case No: 06-0439

COUNTY OF McLENNAN } COMPLAINT

THE STATE OF TEXAS }

THE UNDERSIGNED AFFIANT, BEING A PEACE OFFICER UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS AND BEING DULY SWORN, ON OATH MAKES THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS AND ACCUSATIONS

I, Ben Toombs, a licensed peace officer in the State of Texas and employed by the Hewitt Police Department and hereafter referred to as the Affiant, do solemnly swear that I have reason to believe and do believe that Matthew Dee Baker, a white male, date of birth 09-07-1971, hereafter referred to as the Defendant, committed the offense of Murder on or about 04-07-2006 in McLennan County, Texas. On or about that date, the Defendant intentionally or knowingly committed the offense of Murder by causing the death of Kari Lynn Baker by using prescription and/or over-the-counter sleeping medication and alcohol to render her defenseless and then using a pillow or similar item to suffocate her.

IT IS THE BELIEF OF YOUR AFFIANT THAT THE ABOVE SUSPECTED PARTY HAS COMMITTED THIS CRIMINAL ACT IN VIOLATION OF THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, AND AFFIANT HAS PROBABLE CAUSE FOR SAID BELIEF BY REASON OF THE FOLLOWING ACTS, TO WIT:

My name is Ben Toombs and hereafter referred to as the Affiant. Your Affiant is a Certified Peace Officer in the State of Texas and presently employed as a Criminal Investigator with the Hewitt Police Department in Hewitt, Texas. Your Affiant has been a police officer for seven (7) years and during that time, your Affiant has investigated dozens of felony crimes including the crime of homicide. Your Affiant is currently investigating the death of a woman from Hewitt, Texas, named Kari Lynn Baker. Kari Lynn Baker died on or about April 7, 2006, at her home in Hewitt, Texas. In preparing this affidavit, Affiant has interviewed individuals connected with the case, has reviewed police reports prepared by the City of Hewitt, Texas, and has spoken with experts regarding forensic matters.

At the time of her death, Kari Baker was a schoolteacher in the Midway Independent School District located in Central Texas. She was married to the Defendant, a local Baptist preacher. Sometime in early 2006, the Defendant apparently became interested in having a relationship with (another) woman . In addition to this job, the Defendant worked as the Chaplain at the Waco Center for Youth. Records show that the Defendant’s cellular telephone contacted the home where the woman lived on dozens of occasions between January and April 2006.

According to the woman, the Defendant would call her once or twice a day from his cellular telephone or his work telephone. The woman indicated that she believed that the Defendant was “interested” in her. Investigation by your Affiant revealed that within days after the death of Kari Baker, the Defendant was with a woman who matched this woman’s description and the two of them were in a jewelry store in Richland Mall in Waco, Texas shopping for engagement rings.

Computer records provided by the Waco Center for Youth reveal that, in early March 2006, the Defendant began to seek internet sites dealing with drug overdose and specifically with prescription drugs. On March 9, 2006, the Defendant did a computer search regarding “overdose by sleeping pill.” Also on March 9,2006, the Defendant did a computer search for the prescription drug Ambien. As Affiant will describe later, it was determined that Kari Baker had Ambien in her system at the time of her death. On March 20, 21 and 23, 2006, the Defendant visited numerous internet sites that which sold prescription medication. On March 26, 2006, at 1:12 p.m., the Defendant visited an internet site known as “prescriptiondrugplanet.” Two (2) minutes later, at 1:14 p.m., a site known as “pharmbilling” was connected to the Defendant’s computer. Your Affiant believes that “pharmbilling” is a service, which handles payment for prescription medication ordered from an internet site. In addition, on March 23,2006, at 1:28 p.m., the Defendant’s computer at the Waco Center for Youth was connected to an internet site registered as “SecureRxCart.” Your Affiant believes that this is another indication of a purchase by the Defendant of prescription medication ordered from an internet site.

According to Kari Baker’s family, Kari Baker and the Defendant were having difficulties in their relationship in the weeks before her death. On or about Monday, April 3, 2006, Kari Baker found a bottle of crushed pills in the Defendant’s briefcase. When she asked him where the pills came from, he told her that the kids from the Waco Center for Youth must have put them there. The Defendant told Kari Baker that sometimes the children spit out their medicine and that is where the pills came from. Your Affiant has learned that the Waco Center for Youth has a strict pill policy and that the Defendant was not around children when they took medicine nor did he take his briefcase to areas of the Waco Center for Youth other than his office. Further, Affiant has learned that the Defendant possessed the only key that would unlock his office door and that he locked the door each day when he was not in his office. After Kari Baker’s death, the Defendant spoke with members of the Hewitt, Texas, Police Department and told them a different story regarding the pills. The Defendant told the police that the pills his wife saw in his briefcase were Kari Baker’s and that she must have hidden them in his briefcase.

The Defendant told the police that on Friday, April 7, 2006, he and his wife, Kari, went to the YMCA in Waco, Texas late in the afternoon for a swimming lesson for their oldest daughter. The Defendant told police that his wife felt ill at the YMCA. The Defendant told other witnesses that Kari was lethargic and nauseated at the YMCA and had to lie down. Witnesses who saw Kari Baker at the YMCA on April 7, 2006, stated that she did not appear to be ill and that she was acting normally. The Defendant told police that they returned home from the YMCA and that later, about 11:15 p.m., Kari Baker asked the Defendant to go and rent some movies, to put gasoline in the car and to get some candy. The Defendant claimed that he and Kari Baker both drank one (1) or more “fuzzy navel” wine coolers prior to him leaving. The Defendant claimed that he then left the house at approximately 11:15 p.m., purchased gasoline, rented movies, and returned home at about midnight. The Defendant claimed that when he returned home, he found the bedroom door locked and he had to get a screwdriver to open it. The Defendant stated that when he opened the door, he found Kari Baker on the bed, nude, and that she was cold to the touch and her lips were blue. The Defendant then telephoned 9-1-1 and then claimed to have put clothes on Kari Baker and attempted to administer CPR on her body.

According to ambulance officials, who arrived on the scene at 12:15 a.m. on April 8, 2006, Kari Baker was already deceased and lividity had been set. Your Affiant knows that lividity is a discoloration of the body caused from blood pooling in the lower parts of the body. Police who arrived on the scene found a typed, unsigned note next to the bed along with a bottle of Unisom tablets, an over-the-counter sleep aid.

Your Affiant is aware that Dr. David Stafford of Memphis, Tennessee, has reviewed the evidence in this investigation. Dr. Stafford was the Director of Toxicology for the University Of Tennessee Medical School. Dr. Stafford has determined that if Kari Baker had ingested enough Ambien or Unisom to cause her death, it could not have taken place in the time frame given by The Defendant to police. Dr. Stafford believes it would have taken at least an hour or more longer than the time frame explained. Your Affiant knows that at autopsy, after her body had been exhumed and disinterred, forensic examiners determined that Ambien and Unisom were found in Kari Baker’s muscle tissue.

Your Affiant is also aware that Tom Bevel of Norman, Oklahoma, has reviewed the evidence in this investigation. Mr. Bevel is a well-known expert on homicides and homicide investigation and a published authority on numerous subjects including crime scene investigation. Mr. Bevel claimed that he believed that Kari Baker was not nude at the time of her death as the Defendant described. Mr. Bevel believed that Kari Baker’s panties were put on by her, not someone (else,) after her death. Your Affiant believes that the Defendant may have told the story that Kari Baker was nude to provide a reason for her body to be cold to the touch. Also, Mr. Bevel believed that lividity could not have begun and become set in the time frame given by the Defendant. Mr. Bevel believed that it would have taken much longer for the body to become cold and lividity to set. Your Affiant has seen an abrasion that is evident on Kari Baker’s nose in the crime scene photographs. There is also the appearance of bruising to Kari Baker’s lips. Your Affiant believes that these wounds are consistent with what would happen if a pillow or another similar object were placed over someone’s face to suffocate them. Your Affiant is aware that there were pillows, including what appears to be a course-woven pillow, in the room where Kari Baker’s body was found.

On Tuesday, April 4, 2006, Kari Baker met with Joanne Bristol, a counselor (in) Waco, Texas. Kari Baker told Ms. Bristol that she believed that the Defendant was going to kill her. According to Ms. Bristol, Kari Baker was suspicious of the pills she found in the Defendant’s briefcase and previously mentioned in this affidavit. Kari Baker also told Ms. Bristol that she believed that the Defendant was having an illicit affair with another woman. Your Affiant is aware that on April 7, 2006, Kari Baker had a job interview for a teaching position at the Midway Middle School. At the time, Kari Baker was a teacher at the Spring Valley Elementary School of the Midway Independent School District. Kari Baker told several individuals that she believed the interview went well and she was positive about the prospect of a new position within the school district. Your affiant believes that, according to friends and relatives, Kari Baker was very positive about the future and not suicidal.

At the time of Kari Baker’s death, the Defendant had access to three (3) computers. Of these computers, one (1) was at Crossroads Baptist Church, one (1) was at the Waco Center for Youth and one (1) was at the Baker residence. On or about June 14,2006, an officer of the Hewitt Police Department went to the Waco Center for Youth to speak with the Defendant. In that same time frame, the Crossroads Baptist Church demanded that the Defendant return the church computer that he had been using. According to computer technicians at the Waco Center for Youth, the Defendant covertly switched computers with his secretary (on) June 14, 2006 when he learned that a Hewitt Police officer was coming to The Waco Center for Youth. The Defendant even switched inventory labels on the computers in an effort to disguise the computer switch. On or about June 17, 2006, the Defendant disposed of his home computer. In a civil deposition, the Defendant explained that he disposed of the computer because it was too slow. In that same deposition The Defendant claimed that he threw away his home computer printer because it was “not compat.” On or about June 19, 2006, the computer located at the Defendant’s secretary’s desk, which was actually the Defendant’s computer, went missing. This date was a state holiday when all administrative offices of the Waco Center for Youth were closed. There were, however, a few employees working that day and one (1) of the employees remembers seeing the Defendant go into his office area.

Your affiant is also aware that the Defendant received approximately $50,000.00 in benefits from the death of his wife. Based upon Affiant’s experience and review of the evidence in this case, your Affiant believes that the Defendant used Ambien in connection with alcohol or alcohol in connection with Unisom to render Kari Baker defenseless and then did and there cause the death of Kari Baker.

WHEREFORE, AFFIANT ASKS FOR ISSUANCE OF A WARRANT THAT WILL AUTHORIZE THE ARREST OF THE SUSPECTED PARTY.

Description: Matthew Dee Baker

Inclined to Agree...

Letter to the Editor in the Kerrville Dailytimes.com

November 21, 2007

+++

Take time to read arrest warrant. Regarding the benefit to raise funds for Matt Baker’s defense: Perhaps those so inclined to raise money should read the arrest warrant which led to the capture of Matt Baker. Maybe these kindly folks would be less likely to financially contribute to this “cause.”

Though Mr. Baker might be considered innocent until proven guilty, I would be hesitant to support the legal defense of a man who was looking at an engagement ring for his mistress days after his wife’s death.

Save your benevolence for those who aren’t quite so suspect. Showing mercy is a good thing. Throwing pearls before swine is foolhardy.

Julie Janik, Dallas
+++

While I do not know this letter-to-the-editor writer, I am inclined to agree.

Comments........

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Anonymous has left a new comment.....":

Shannon I did not jump your case and I have read it from beginning to end. I even posted regularly until you started slamming Matt. I stopped making any comments at that point. I continued reading because occasionally someone would say something nice and I needed that. Then, you just continued to defend yourself and this site and you would write the occasional bash comments in between so called memories. You confuse me when you argue that you are not bashing and that is not what this site is about because you do quite a bit of bashing in between your memories!
Posted by Anonymous to Don't Even Get Me Started at November 30, 2007 8:06 PM

But you have to admit....as would anyone reading....that my posts have become MUCH more dry C&P'd news. And then lately defending my right to have my own blog. I started off with memories and shock in my heart at this. Then tossed in some pissed and ready to fight. I have become more careful in my words and posts and what I think is okay to let come through without hurting those that are like-minded with me. I still have not met Kari's family......but I feel them. I still cannot explain my "role" in Kari's story. But I have felt her hand on me since she passed. I cannot let it go. It's not in me. I'm trying to be careful. But seriously, it's my blog. I answer only to myself...and my God-given conscience.

Okay. That was my reply comment. I apologize for saying "pissed" and not editing it. It's just the word that fits. Sorry.

Anonymous has left a new comment.....

I want to make sure that comments are being read. There are quite a few. The ones I feel comfortable with letting pass through, I do. FYI: This whole thing is 1 blog. My entries are called posts. Comments to those posts are called comments. It's frustrating to read someting like the comment below saying, "....your opening statement on this particular blog......" That's an opening statement on a particular post. It's not the opening statement on this blog. Big difference.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Outstanding? Wonderful person?":

Shannon I have no dought you will not post my comment but here goes.You say over and over that you are not here to bash or start anything and that this site is in honor and memory of Kari. What exatly then is your opening statement on this paticular blog other than bashing? I have to admit this is the first time I have seen you bash him this way! Why is it that you decided to do this after all the defending of yourself of the opposite? I have to wonder where the memory of Kari is in that!

Dear Anonymous,
Please.
Please.
Please.
Read this blog from the beginning forward....not the reverse.
You will see how this blog was meant to be.
You will see how it took on a life of its own.
You will see how I decided to tone it down.
You will see that I don't say everything that I want to say. I am trying.
I will leave the rest to the Courts and to Our God Almighty.
But read this blog in order before you jump my case, please.
I'm not perfect. But I am growing...and honing my "bite my tongue" skills.

Shannon

Fund Raiser

Kerrville's DailyTimes.com : Community Turns Out for Baker Fund Raiser

By Alison Beshur The Daily Times

Published November 19, 2007

Sporting a green “Live Strong”-type bracelet inscribed with the word “Defense,” Matt Baker strolled around the Louise Hays Park Pavilion chatting, shaking hands and hugging attendees at a fund raiser to help fight a case against him.“ It’s unbelievable to know the support I have,” Baker said. “Some of the people, I don’t know who they are. ... It’s amazing.”

In late September, Baker was arrested on a warrant that alleged he murdered his wife in April 2006 in their home near Waco. Her death had been ruled a suicide, but was later changed to “undetermined.”

After her death, Baker returned to Kerrville, where he had grown up, attended school and his parents still live. He brought his two daughters ages 7 and 11 and found a job working as a substitute teacher for the Kerrville Independent School District.

His late wife’s parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit, ordered depositions and then gave some of that information to the Hewitt Police Department for a criminal investigation.

Baker has not charged been formally by a grand jury in McLennan County. The next grand jury meeting is Nov. 28.

Since Baker was released in late October, his family has continued to receive an outpouring of support. Some of that was evident at Sunday’s fund-raising event. Attendees not only bought tickets for barbecue plates and baked goods and placed bids on silent auction items, but they also simply wrote checks to help with Baker’s defense fund. By the end of the night, more than $7,500 had been raised.

“I think we’re going to have a successful fund raiser, helping his family out with immediate needs,” said Brenda Hughes, an owner of Buzzie’s Bar-B-Q and one of the organizers. “It’s heartwarming to see the support and people not necessarily wanting anything in return.” Her son, Tyler “Buzzie” Hughes, said Baker was his substitute algebra teacher for three months last school year. Aside from teaching the subject, Baker also gave him advice and made comments to cheer up the now 16-year-old sophomore.

Most of his classmates don’t talk about the arrest, but many feel the same way about Baker’s arrest.“It’s a sore subject,” Tyler Hughes said. “No one wanted to believe it when we heard about. It was really hard to believe.”

Margo Walters said she felt “called” to attend the fund raiser to help a classmate she had known for decades and a local family who had given to others. The Bakers often served as parent sponsors for church activities and took in dozens of foster children.“Their hugs were genuine and free,” Walters said while finishing her plate of barbecue. “When you come together under God’s will, wonderful things happen.

Walters described her former classmate as “likable” and someone with a “genuine and awesome heart.” Of everyone she knew in high school, he would be her pick as the most unlikely candidate to face murder charges.“I was shocked when I heard,” Walters said. “I still am very puzzled by what is happening to this family.”

Changes - Effective Immediately

1. This is my blog.
2. Kari was my friend.
3. I believe with all my heart that she did not take her own life.
4. I am interested in truth and justice.
5. The evidence in support of Kari WILL NOT be placed on a blog in posts or comments.
6. The evidence will be provided to interested parties AT the trial. Not here.
7. This does not mean the evidence doesn't exist.
8. Investigators, law enforcement agencies, experts, witnesses, family and friends aren't going to talk and produce such evidence until the time is right.
9. They will not be pushed into speaking prematurely.
10. Just hang on.
11. I am interested in collecting information and news about this case as it unfolds.
12. I am interested in creating and maintaining a place of support for others seeking truth and justice for Kari.
13. Some of my early-on posts were very strong and passionate with all this stuff coming out again.
14. But in the last few weeks I have focused my posts to more news and facts related and also more memories.
15. I don't like way the comments area has turned into a wrestling match.
16. It's not taking this blog (this little community) in the direction that I feel comfortable with.
17. I am deleting comments with personal attacks on Kari.
18. I will moderate future comments.
19. As I said in yesterday's post, if this irritates the fire out of you, feel free to not engage.
20. You don't need to volunteer yourself to be irritated.
21. Neither do I.
22. This is a blog in support of Kari and truth and justice.
23. That's all.

Who are we to judge?

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

John 7:24, Hebrews 5:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Matthew 18:16, and 1 Thessalonians 5:21 as a start. The Bible is very clear and strong on this point.

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

A few of my favorite quotes sum it up:

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

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

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

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

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


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

Come on....Share a memory

I would love it if you guys that come and read and visit Kari's blog would share some of your memories of Kari...not only with me, but with any family and/or friends that might be reading along as well. Feel free to comment anonymously if you wish. Just share those memories. If you want to add your name, wonderful. Or even if you want to let us know a general "title" of who you are...for example, family, co-worker, church family, friend, parent of a child she taught, went to school/college with her....that would be nice. You don't have to keep it to one memory. Come back and share more as you think of them. Or comment off someone else's comment if it reminds you of something. Funny. Serious. Spiritual. Educational. Crazy. Let's make this post and comment section a sweet and voluminous tribute to our memories of Kari.

Who's first? ;)

Baker Returns Home to Warm Welcome

Article in the Hill Country Community Journal

By Tammy Prout

November 8, 2007

When Matt Baker got word his bond had been reduced and his parents were coming to get him, he only had one thing on his mind.“I wanted to hug my girls,” Baker said. And hug his girls he did on Oct. 25 in McLennan County.“We knew that there was going to be a lot of media there, so we were a little concerned,” Baker said. “But the jail administration allowed my family to drive right up into the covered area and the girls exited on the opposite side of the vehicle so that they were not exposed to the television cameras.”How did it feel?" “It was great. I needed that. We needed that,” he said.

An arrest warrant was issued for Baker in August, charging him with the death of his wife, Kari, who died in August of 2006. Her death was initially ruled a suicide by the Hewitt Police department, which then later assigned another investigator to the case and changed the ruling. Since he was arrested Aug. 21, Baker’s parents, Barbara and Oscar, have been caring for his children, ages 11 and 7, communicating with attorneys and trying to figure out how to come up with the funds it was going to take to get Baker home. The initial bond was set at $400,000, which was eventually reduced to $200,000.“I know this has been hard on them,” Baker said. “But keeping the girls routine was first and foremost on our minds.”While incarcerated, Baker spoke with his parents daily.“I called them every day and checked on the girls. We had to go over what was happening with the attorneys,” Baker said. “It cost $11 for 15 minutes.”Barbara and Oscar, like many area residents and students, are steadfast in their belief that Baker did not and could not have murdered his wife.“I have nothing to hide. I am an open book. I am accused of something I did not do,” Baker said. “I know that, and the people who know me know that.”

One of the decisions Barbara and Oscar made for their son was to seek the help of Guy James Gray, a 25-year veteran prosecutor, now operating a private practice.As was previously reported, it was Gray who was able to have Baker’s bond reduced.Barbara said she was apprehensive at first to make such an important decision on her son’s behalf.“My mom told me she had met with Mr. Gray and said she felt very good about him,” Baker said. “Her exact
words were that he was a ‘Godsend.’”After meeting with Gray, Baker said he agreed. “I know he would not have taken this case if he did not believe in my innocence,” Baker said.Keith Williams, a local attorney, family friend and Baker’s former Bible school teacher helped introduce the family to Gray. He will also assist Gray during the trial.Since returning home, Baker said he feels
loved. “I can see it in people’s eyes when I’m in the grocery store or dropping the girls off at school,” he said. “Sometimes they will just stop and let me know that they are praying for me and my family. That means so much."

”The Bakers will not publicly discuss Kari’s parents. However, it is they who filed and dropped a civil wrongful death suit against Baker, claiming he is the cause of the death of their only child. “We’ve been going through this now for a year-and-a-half. My girls and I have never been able to grieve,” Baker said. “I’ve lost my wife. My children have lost their mother.” To date, the case has not gone before a grand jury. Baker said he will trust Gray with his life.“There’s no evidence linking me to Kari’s death. I’ve taken and passed a lie-detector test,” Baker said. Patience, however, will have to be a virtue for the Baker family, as they put their trust in Gray and let the justice system work as it should.

I'm not positive....but I don't think that Kari was an only child. Doesn't she (didn't she) have a brother?

From a recent comment....

I wanted to share this comment because I'm afraid it might have gotten lost. It's a recent comment but it's on an older post. It's another eye witness to Matt and Kari's lives who shares her thoughts.

"I thank the Lord above that He, alone, is in control. I am saddened, broken-hearted and truly amazed that so many here choose to comment and present opinions anonymously.

I was a Youth and Music Minister at Williams Creek Baptist Church while Matt was Pastor. It was during that time that Kassidy, their second born, died. Honestly, I have tried to sit the fence on this one, to let God take care of it all. I care deeply for Matt and Kari and their girls. But this is what I know... After watching the pure and complete agony of losing a child, Kari would not and could not take her own life. It was absolute torture to WATCH her mourn for her daughter. I cannot even begin to imagine what torture it was for her to let go of Kassidy and let God take care of her. But here's the kicker... She did it. She knew that Kassidy was finally in a place where she was free to be all God created her to be without sickness and pain. Kari got there. She reached that point that no mother should have to endure.Conversely, Matt never seemed to let himself feel the pain of that loss. He was back to preaching immediately. A sign of strenth and resolve? I think not. More like a route to escape. A way out. A chance to run from reality and never truly come to terms with the loss of a child-- an innocent victim in a tragically lost world.

Do I think Matt killed Kari? I think that Matt was cheating on his wife and wanted to get out of his marriage without scarring his reputation or losing custody of his daughters. That's what I think.I pray that our Lord will guide my heart and my mind as well as all those who hold Matt's fate in their hands. I also pray that those who have opinions to state and thoughts to share will do so pubically and without shame of retribution. Peace to you all."

Example of "Collateral Damage"

As I've said before, the "collateral damage" resulting from what happened to Kari is far reaching. When pastors/ministers/preachers do such reprehensible things, it gives those with a bone to pick about Christianity in general fodder for discussion. I know that there are people of all faiths and religious backgrounds (be they 'leaders' or not) along with people with no religious faith that do horrible, evil things. But it's not a flaw of Christianity. It's a flaw of that human that did it.

I do not in any way fault this blogger for speaking his mind. It seems that plenty of "Christians" have torpedoed fodder to him and others with similar beliefs. It's just a different angle that Christians don't aways take into account when they stumble.....or crash into a brick wall is the case. Others are always watching. Our examples scream out to everyone around us. Here is an exerpt from Deep Thoughts:

"Former Baptist pastor and current part-time youth minister
Matthew "Matt" Baker was arrested for the murder of his wife yesterday. If one
is looking for proof that being a Christian bestows some higher
moral values on its adherents, this case will serve as a classic example of
why this type of reasoning is flawed.

The allegations are damming for a normal person, for a
pastor they show an utter lack moral conviction. Matt Baker was a pastor when he
starting having an affair. His desire to be with his new girlfriend is alleged
to have driven him to murder his wife. Baker is alleged to have researched how
to kill his wife via the Internet and then administering the drugs that caused
her death. "

Fundraising Info?

A couple of comments mentioned some big fundraising efforts on Matt's behalf. Does anyone have information on those?

Article in Hill Community Journal

Thanks for the link, Anonymous Commentor:
(Sorry...I can't get my format to work the same way with all quoted material.)

Baker's Bond Reduced

By Tammy Prout

Local attorney Guy James
Gray’s first official duty in representing Matt Baker was to get his bond
reduced, so that he could return home and care for his children. Gray agreed to
represent Baker early last week and filed a writ of habeas corpus on Friday and
expected to appear before a judge later this week to discuss, among many things,
the reduction in bail, which had been set at $400,000. Baker is charged with the
April 2006 murder of his wife, Kari, in McLennan County. Kari was found
unconscious and pronounced dead in the couple’s home in Hewitt. Her death was
initially ruled a suicide and 16 months later a warrant was issued for Baker’s
arrest.

“I had requested that the district attorney do it (reduce bail)
on their own, but they said they were concerned Kari’s family would be upset,”
Gray said Sunday evening. “I really think they wanted to.” Then early Monday
morning, he was notified of the reduction in bail to $200,000. Baker’s parents,
Barbara and Oscar, have been caring for Baker’s 11 and 7-year-old daughters, as
well as trying to find a way to post bail so that Baker can return home and be
with his children. “They’ve already lost a sister and their mother,” Barbara
said. “They need their father.”

Barbara, who has maintained her son’s
innocence since his Aug. 21 arrest, says she finally feels some peace in knowing
that her son will be represented by someone who will face the battle
aggressively. “I’m ready for someone to take charge,” Barbara said. Gray is used
to doing just that. A former Jasper County prosecutor for 25 years, Gray knows
his way around a courtroom and most certainly a murder trial. Most compelling
about the change in representation is that Gray asked to meet with the Bakers.
After reading the arrest warrant affidavit, Gray said he felt Baker was being
railroaded and refused to take money for his services. He said he has requested
only reimbursement of his expenses incurred during the trial, which will include
expert witnesses. “The officer who signed the affidavit based his request on
prejudicial information and suppositions,” Gray said. “There was no evidence to
back up his statements.”

While he says he is only just beginning to make
his way through Baker’s file, Gray said he has yet to find evidence to suspect
Baker, much less convict him. An inquest was conducted on Kari’s body following
her death, Gray said, and the medical examiner’s ruling that the cause of her
death was “undetermined.” “There is no evidence from the scene to back up the
detective’s statements,” Gray said. “To my knowledge, no one conducted tests of
any kind on pill bottles or wine bottles.”
Moreover, Gray said, the
emotional pleas from Kari’s family have played out in the media, poisoning a
possible jury pool in the Waco area.

“They’ve lost their only daughter.
They were very close and spoke numerous times a day. All of a sudden she’s gone
and they want someone to blame.” Gray said. “But Matt Baker didn’t kill her.”
After meeting with Barbara and Oscar, Gray said he went to Waco to meet Matt and
make sure he had a good feeling about him. “I liked him. I believe him,” Gray
said. “He seems to be a very good guy.”
His sentiments are echoing
throughout Kerrville, as Baker’s friends and family are coming forward to help
Barbara and Oscar raise funds for his defense.
“I can tell you it’s been
very overwhelming,” Barbara said. “The cards, the e-mails and the hugs are
something we really need right now.” Another thing they will need, in addition
to the $200,000 to post their son’s bond, is at least $150,000 for trial
expenses. Barbara is an employee at Tivy High School and Oscar is retired. Since
Baker was arrested, she said they have been trying to keep up the expenses of
two households, as well as legal fees. When asked how Baker was holding up,
Barbara said he calls every night and his background as a minister and teacher
has been put to use. “He has been meeting with inmates and holding Bible study
and algebra classes,” Barbara said. “For those of us who know him, that’s not
surprising.”

That one....I do not understand yet.....

Oh, boy. I have LOTS of points to make after hearing this latest special report. But if I do, it might help the wrong side. While I want to bite my lip...I don't have to. God is in control. You'll know it when you read/hear it. "Eyes Wide Shut" anyone?

KXXV-TV (Channel 25) News Video - Gotta see/hear

KXXV-TV (Channel 25) Accused Wife Killer Out on Bond

By Jennifer Kent

WACO - A former preacher who has been locked-up for over a month, charged with the murder of his wife is out of jail on bond. Our cameras were at the McLennan County Jail when a long-time family friend paid Matthew Baker's $200,000 bond in cash. Matt is accused of drugging
his wife, Kari Lynn Baker with sleeping pills, smothering her and then making her death appear to be suicide. Baker's attorney says this case is based on theory. He says there are no witnesses or forensic evidence. Gray says, "there's an allegation she was suffocated with a
pillow- there's no pillow, there's no DNA."

But Gray cannot explain everything. Police found an internet search for "overdose by sleeping pill," and a search for the sleeping pill Ambien on Baker's work computer, dated March 2006.
Less than a month later the young mother was found dead.

Kari's mother tells News Channel 25 Gray has said exactly what she would expect him to and all his rhetoric is part of his job. She says she looks forward to justice being served. Baker is expected to return to his home of Kerrville Thursday evening. It's unclear if he will continue
substitute teaching at his high school alma mater.

Bonded

KWTX-TV (Channel 10 News) Baker's Release

KCEN-TV (Channel 6 News) Former Waco Minister Accused of Murder Released on Bond

WacoTrib.com - Former Paster Accused of Killing Wife Now Out on Bail

Thursday, October 25, 2007
By Tommy
Witherspoon
Tribune-Herald staff writer

Former Baptist minister Matt Baker was released from the McLennan County Jail this morning after his bond was reduced by agreed order Tuesday. A jail spokeswoman said Baker, 36, was released shortly before noon on a $200,000 bail bond, reduced from $400,000 Tuesday by 54th State District Judge Matt Johnson after an agreement between Baker’s attorney and a prosecutor. Baker’s release negates the necessity for a hearing that had been set for tomorrow afternoon on Baker’s motion challenging the evidence under which he was being held.

Baker was arrested Sept. 21 in Kerrville in the April 2006 death of his wife, Kari Baker, a teacher in Hewitt. Her death initially was ruled a suicide, but authorities allege now that Baker gave her sleeping pills and then suffocated her.

Baker will return to Kerrville, where he is living with his parents and his two daughters, said his attorney, Guy James Gray.

Bond Reduced - Awaiting Release

A couple of articles from the WacoTrib.com:

Bond Reduced for Man Accused of Killing Schoolteacher Wife in 2006

Former Minister Baker's Release Expected Soon

Wednesday, October 24, 2007
By Tommy Witherspoon
Tribune-Herald staff writer

A state district judge cut former Baptist minister Matt Baker’s bail bond in half Tuesday after an agreement between Baker’s attorney and a McLennan County prosecutor.

Judge Matt Johnson of Waco’s 54th State District Court signed an agreed order to reduce Baker’s bail bond from $400,000 to $200,000. The reduction and a generous loan from a family friend should allow Baker to be released and reunited with his two daughters, who have been staying with his parents in Kerrville since his Sept. 21 arrest.

Baker, 36, was arrested for murder in the April 2006 death of his 31-year-old wife, Kari, a teacher at Spring Valley Elementary School in Hewitt. Her death initially was ruled a suicide by overdose of sleeping pills until her parents, James and Linda Dulin, persuaded Hewitt police to reopen the investigation and exhume her body for autopsy.

Matt Baker Baker’s attorney, former Jasper County District Attorney Guy James Gray, filed a motion for habeas corpus last week, challenging the evidence under which Baker was being held. Johnson had scheduled a hearing on that motion for Friday afternoon, but Baker’s release after the bond reduction will negate the need for the hearing, court officials said. Baker’s release also removes pressure from the district attorney’s office to get Baker indicted within 90 days of his arrest in a death with an “unknown” official cause and evidence that is largely circumstantial.
Defendants who remain in jail for 90 days without being indicted are entitled by statute to a personal recognizance bond or one that is drastically reduced.
Crawford Long, first assistant district attorney for McLennan County, said he never considered the 90-day rule when agreeing to the bond reduction.
“We agreed to have the bond set at $200,000, at which it was originally set, which we believed was proper under the state and case law,” Long said.
McLennan County Justice of the Peace Frank Culpepper doubled Baker’s bond to $400,000 after Baker was returned to Waco from Kerr County. The original bail was set in Kerr County, where Baker had been substitute teaching at Tivy High School in Kerrville. He has since been removed from the substitute teachers list. Gray said he is unsure what his client will do now.

Gray, who made an unsuccessful run for the Court of Criminal Appeals in 2004, moved to Kerrville three years ago. He said a Baker family friend from Comfort made arrangements through a bank in Hewitt to post a cash bond to ensure Baker’s release. “He should be out later today or maybe tomorrow,” Gray said Tuesday morning. “He has a number of followers here in Kerrville who have volunteered to help him.”

Linda Dulin, who met with Long on Tuesday morning about the case, said she is not disappointed that the bond was reduced. “We were told that bond is typically reduced upon the request of the defense attorney,” she said. “My husband and I realize that this is how the system works. I trust that Mr. Long will take this to the grand jury as soon as he is able to do so.” The Dulins and other family members and friends have said they never believed that Kari Baker committed suicide.
An exhumation of the body, autopsy and inquest by McLennan County Justice of the Peace Billy Martin failed to determine a cause of death but persuaded Martin to change his ruling from suicide to undetermined.

An affidavit to support Baker’s arrest alleges that Baker was having an affair and drugged his wife with sleeping pills before suffocating her with a pillow.
Gray said he never agreed to reduce a murder defendant’s bond during 25 years as Jasper County district attorney but did so for a number of other defendants.
“I don’t think I should speak for the district attorney’s office,” Gray said. “On our side, we are ready. I’ll go to trial next Monday if they give me a jury. What they do on their side is going to be their business.”
Baker spent part of his time in jail tutoring other inmates in algebra to help them toward obtaining their general educational development certificates, Gray said.
“Looks like they will have to try to get along without his help now,” Gray said. “I need him here to help prepare this case.”

twitherspoon@wacotrib.com
757-5737

Article from Kerrville's DailyTimes.com:

Baker's Bond Cut in Half

By Alison Beshur

The Daily Times - Published October 24, 2007

A $400,000 bond for a 36-year-old Kerrville man accused of murdering his wife was reduced Tuesday and arrangements were being made to get him out of a jail in Waco. Matthew Dee Baker’s bond was reduced to $200,000. The former Kerrville substitute teacher and Baptist preacher should be reunited with his parents and two daughters before the weekend, said Baker’s attorney, Guy James Gray. If Baker is indicted by a grand jury, Gray said he plans to push for a speedy trial. “I believe this boy has been railroaded,” said Gray, a local lawyer and former district attorney in East Texas. “I’m ready to go anytime.” Baker’s mother, Barbara, said she wanted him out “yesterday.” The worst part of the ordeal has been watching he and his two daughters being separated, Barbara Baker said. “Not being able to watch Matt with his girls,” she said. “I’d like to hug him and watch him hug them.” Matthew Baker was arrested after a wrongful death lawsuit turned into a criminal charge of murder. He has been jailed for more than a month.

A warrant alleged Baker in April 2006 subdued his wife with a concoction of alcohol and sleeping pills and then smothered her with a pillow or similar object. Her death had been ruled a suicide, but later was changed to “undetermined.” Kari Lynn Baker was 31 years old when she died. The couple had been married for more than a decade and had three children, but the family dynamics seemed to change when they lost a 16-month-old daughter to cancer.About three months after Kari Lynn Baker’s death, her parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against their late daughter’s husband. Matthew Baker is a Kerrville native and graduate of Tivy High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and a master’s degree from George W. Truitt Theological Seminary at Baylor. He was Baptist preacher at a church near Waco and a minister in a youth center. After his wife’s death, he returned to Kerrville and worked as a substitute teacher for the Kerrville Independent School District.Barbara Baker said her son is a beloved “pied piper,” who could make fun activities out of menial chores, such as raking leaves. He also is an excellent parent, she said, noting observations since his daughters have been in her care. No one who knows her son believes he could’ve been responsible for his wife’s death, Barbara Baker said. Instead, she has received an outpouring of support from teachers who worked with him, fellow classmates and students he taught.

“I would say hundreds,” Barbara Baker said of the cards and calls. “In 11 years of marriage, he never said one negative thing about his wife or in-laws. The truth will come out, and we’ll be able to get on with our lives.”