Tuesday, September 22, 2009

"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.

Friday, September 11, 2009

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."

Friday, September 4, 2009

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.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

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.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

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.

Monday, August 31, 2009

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."

Saturday, August 29, 2009

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.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

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!!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

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!

Friday, July 31, 2009

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)







Friday, July 3, 2009

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

Monday, June 22, 2009

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.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

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.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

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.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

48 Hours Update


48 Hours will be airing an update on the Baker case June 9, Tuesday, from 9-10 pm. Be sure to tune in! 48 Hours has really done their homework and they have traveled to Waco several times to keep personally up to date.
CLARIFICATION: They will re-air "The Preacher's Wife" that was on 48 Hours last year and then follow up with info and footage of Matt's arrest, arraignment, indictment and other recent events in the case.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day Visit

Our family went to the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Rosemound Cemetery today. Very powerful. God bless our fallen soldiers. And God protect our current ones.

This cemetery is just a couple of blocks from Oakwood Cemetery so we made a quick stop at Kari's grave. Kari's Dad has planted a couple sweet rosebushes there recently. I decided to take a picture and share.



Hug your families tight today.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Those darned skeletons....

.....just won't stay in the closet.

Prosecutors subpoena Matt Baker's school records, preparing for murder trial
Tommy Witherspoon
WacoTrib.com
"McLennan County prosecutors are seeking Matt Baker’s college and high school records pertaining to any criminal investigations, disciplinary actions and counseling sessions." (read more)

Friday, May 15, 2009

More attorney shuffling........

Gray is back in the Baker saddle.

Former Waco-area pastor changes attorney defending him in his wife's death
Tommy Witherspoon
WacoTrib.com

"The former East Texas prosecutor who invited the media to come take their best shots at Matt Baker is back on the case." (read more)


I wonder if Ellison is ticked...or relieved.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

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

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


Shannon,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jenny


Thank you, Jenny!