Today's Waco Tribune Herald article.....

Online auction planned to raise funds for custody battle of Baker children

Tommy Witherspoon

Tribune-Herald staff writer

Wish I could place the whole article here because it's very good.  And I must add (for those of you that don't get the physical paper) that this story is placed as the top headline story on the Local & Texas section.  Excellent positioning!  This is going to bring much more attention to our online auction and help get the word out to all of Central Texas (and beyond) in a BIG WAY!  Here's a couple of snippets:

Since Kari Baker’s death, family and friends have united behind the Dulins and are doing so again with an online auction to raise funds for legal expenses and, they hope, to fund the girls’ therapy if the Dulins prevail in the custody trial.

Linda Reichenbach and Shannon Gamble, friends of the Dulins, are organizing the online auction and are soliciting donations through Twitter, Facebook, emails, going door-to-door and on Gamble’s Internet blog, “Don’t Even Get Me Started,” a tribute to Kari Baker’s memory that she has kept for several years.

Reichenbach, a computer instructor at McLennan Community College, and her students will create a website on which the auction will be conducted and the auction items displayed. (read more)

And when Tommy asked why I keep doing what I can for continued justice in this case:

‘Just not done yet’

Gamble met Kari Baker when her son, Brody, was in Baker’s third-grade class.


“We are putting this together because it is just not done yet,” Gamble said. “We have part one done, which is justice with Matt being convicted and bringing back Kari’s memory in a better way. Part two is saving her girls. I don’t feel like they are in a safe place. She would have kept fighting until her girls were safe and if I can help do that, I am going to do that, too.”  (read more)

Waco Tribune Herald

Be sure and check out the Waco Tribune Herald tomorrow (Sunday, May 1) for Tommy Witherspoon's article about the Dulin Fans Online Auction!  I know most of you can't view it online, though.  But I'll let you know all about it.  ;)

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)

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)

Matt Baker INDICTED FOR MURDER!!

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

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

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

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

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

KWTX.com:
Former Waco Area Pastor Indicted for Murder

Waco Tribune Herald article today

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

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



Furthermore, quoting from the article:

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

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

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

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

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

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

WacoTrib Letter to the Editor

From today's WacoTrib.com:

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Justice for Kari

I was not raised in Texas, but I knew of its legendary reputation for law and justice: not only a pride in its determination to “get the bad guys” but to seek punishment against them.

With that in mind, I must once again ask the McLennan County DA’s office why it hasn’t moved on the Kari Baker case. It’s been two years since Kari died, nine months since Matt Baker was arrested — and this case has not yet been taken to the grand jury.

Local and national media outlets, including Texas Monthly, “20/20” and “48 Hours” have all presented the abundant evidence against Matt Baker and have asked why the DA continues to do nothing; indeed these journalists seem incredulous that no criminal case has moved forward. Web sites and blogs have been inundated with inquiries from all over the country asking why.

Recently, Channel 25 featured a story on the “Justice for Kari” bumper stickers displayed all over. What this makes me wonder is if McLennan County is a place where justice may not be served unless it’s an easy, slam-dunk case that causes little attention, no messiness, and quickly goes away.

The most damning evidence against Matt Baker is scientific: forensic proof that not only did Kari not kill herself, but also that the timeline and circumstances Matt Baker tried to establish are impossible scenarios. Toxicologist Steven Karch, obtained by “48 Hours” as an objective expert with no stake in the case, said, “Being cold in a hour is non-existent unless you’re killed in the Arctic or an icebox.”

It’s time the DA’s office moved, now, on the Kari Baker case.

Lori Watts
Waco

Justice Delayed is still justice

It’s time. Matt Baker must be held accountable. The civil trial is the first step. The criminal trial will follow.

Justice delayed is still justice.

You see, only when Matt Baker is held fully accountable by our legal system will two little girls be set free. Free to love their mommy. Free to love their grandparents. Free from manipulation. Free to get the help they need.

Justice delayed is still justice.

It’s time to show the people of McLennan County that when you murder someone you will not get away with it. We may think that something as tragic as this couldn’t happen to our families. I am sure the Dulins believed this. This is every citizen’s fight for justice. We fight for all because it is a fight for each of us.

Justice delayed is still justice.

Still there is always room for compassion….ESPECIALLY in the fight for justice. I feel a great deal of compassion for the Gray family as they mourn the loss of a child. They need this time to grieve. So, justice is delayed a little longer.

However,
Justice delayed is still justice.


Waco Tribune Herald - Former minister Baker's attorney seeks delay in start of civil suit trial

:::my comments in red:::

Saturday, July 26, 2008
By Tommy Witherspoon
Tribune-Herald staff writer

"An attorney for former Central Texas minister Matt Baker is seeking
postponement of the trial of a wrongful death lawsuit in which his wife’s
parents allege that Baker killed her and tried to make her death appear a
suicide.

While the criminal investigation into Kari Baker’s April 2006 death continues, Judge Ralph Strother of Waco’s 19th State District Court has set an Oct. 6 trial date for the civil lawsuit at the urging of attorneys for James and Linda Dulin, Kari Baker’s parents. ::::As you can see, there had been a date set. That will likely be delayed now...perhaps by as much as two months.::::

Baker, 36, who has denied killing his wife, has since moved to Kerrville and has been represented by Kerrville attorney Guy James Gray in the criminal case. Keith Williams, also of Kerrville, has been representing Baker in the civil case, but has said he has turned those duties over to Gray because Williams was elected judge of the 216th State District Court and will be unable to continue representing Baker.In a letter this week to Strother, Williams asks for a postponement of the trial and any
other matters involving the case for at least 30 to 45 days because Gray’s son
was killed in an auto accident in early July, the second of Gray’s sons to die
under tragic circumstances in recent years. ::::Gray was scheduled to take over Baker's defense in the civil case.::::

A spokeswoman in Gray’s office said he was out of the country Friday and unavailable for comment. Strother
hadn’t acted on the request Friday but has said he likely will grant it under
the circumstances.

“We are anxious to go to trial,” Linda Dulin said Friday. “Justice has been a long time coming. However, our hearts go out to the Gray family at this time.” ::::I echo your sentiments, Linda. Such a tragedy.::::

Waco attorney Bill Johnston, who represents the Dulins with his wife, attorney Susan Kelly Johnston, and attorney Darren Obenoskey, said he won’t oppose the motion for continuance. “We understood their position and will leave that to the discretion of the court,” Johnston said.

Baker, formerly of Hewitt, was arrested in September on murder charges in the death of his wife, an elementary school teacher and the mother of their two daughters. Her death initially was ruled suicide by sleeping pill overdose, but later was changed to undetermined cause after her body was exhumed and an autopsy performed.

McLennan County District Attorney John Segrest has said that the criminal case as presented initially to his office was “not suitable” to seek an indictment.

“There is a criminal investigation that has been ongoing since we received the case and it continues at this time,” prosecutor Crawford Long said Friday." ::::What is this? Yep, the DA is still investigating. Why? Because a crime was committed. Two little girls don’t have their mother. The Dulin’s don’t have their daughter. My son lost his teacher. Too many people lost a wonderful friend. Because you don’t get away with murder….not here, buddy.::::

Justice delayed is still justice.

Coupla comments on the Trib...

Seems that the In Cold Blog blog is drawing a lot of comments. Very interesting. Very telling in some cases.

Anyway, I read these two comments left yesterday and today on the WacoTrib.com article. Just sharing.

Interested Person - May 21, 2008 - 9:17pm

"In Cold Blog is a new blog site that Erin Morarity is hosting. Thought maybe some of you would like to see how that is bringing out more facts in this case. Erin was the news correspondent on 48Hrs. She took the story one direction, but after reading some of the comments, looks like everyone did not appreciate her one-sidedness? I think she is a good correspondent when she is not listening to only one side. Guess time will let us know whether that is true. She is an attorney, so I find it a surprise that she has made some of the comments she has made. Wonder if Matt's attorney is deciding how to bring case against her and 48Hrs. If I was his attorney I would. Yes, I have read that some think the attorney has been putting on a 'dog and pony show'. Wonder what it is called when Charlie (Bill Johnston) and the Charlie Angels are putting on their show. Don't see any of them as ponies."

Peggy - May 22, 2008 - 6:52am

"Interested Person: Erin Moriarty and 48 Hours did not just listen to one side. Ask Matt (or yourself) how many, many hours their team spent with his side. It's not listening to just one side. It's listening to both sides and drawing a conclusion based on observations and investigations. You're surprised at some of the comments she made? Which ones? Just because you don't like their conclusions doesn't mean anything. Sue them? That's a joke. What are your precise allegations? What exact word or moment in the show are you referring to? Because you have to be specific in Court. What laws did 48 Hours break? Personally, I don't know how you found the time to make this comment here. You've been ever so busy making anonymous comments on the In Cold Blog one. Busy times, man. Busy times."

Peggy, whoever you are....stick around. I couldn't agree more.

Comments from Waco Trib

Yesterday in the 48 Hours thread, someone left this comment:

"Anonymous said...
There is an interesting narrative today from one of Matt's former church members in Hewitt. You will find it by going to the comment section of the Waco Trib article about Matt's fund-raiser letter, located below. It is very telling, and the folks who think Matt is being unfairly portrayed in all of this should read it. He appears to have two personalities!"

I looked back at the comments in the Waco Trib and found two separate comments that fit that description:

"By church member - May 14, 2008 7:13 PM I was around at this time. I am a member of the church where matt preached and I saw first hand what the Dulins did and how they were treated. We heard matt talk and we heard how he disparaged the Dulins and kari (yes, he had the nerve to even say terrible things about his dead wife to us). The Dulins reached out to matt and the girls in every way they could. He allowed them to keep the girls on sunday afternoons because he needed a baby sitter. however, he stopped that very quickly. He even began pretending the girls were sick on Sunday and asking other church people (he wouldn't let the Dulins) to babysit them. He wanted to keep them away form their grandparents, so he kept them out of church. People in the church were very uncomfortable with his behavior. The Dulins offered to help him pick-up the girls from school, get him a housekeeper, and bring food. He didn't want anything to do with them from the very beginning. He was hightailing it over to Troy every chance he could get and he didn't want the girls around the Dulins. They might talk. Be very careful. It appears you don't live in our area or you would know that who Matt pretends to be in Kerrville isn't who he really is. We witnessed it all. We know."

AND

"By null - May 14, 2008 11:27 PM I too was in the congegation before and after Kari died. Matt went so far as to make comments comparing how fast he was back to preaching and it was for the love of his congregation. He recalled only missing one Sunday when Kassidy died and compared it to the one Sunday he missed for the visitation of his dead wife. What I recall is the lack of grief in his eyes. It just didn't seem right. Looking back maybe it was relief in his eyes. Matt manipulated his flock and he continues to manipulate the people of Kerrville. Don't give this man a single cent of your money. Instead, send it to the Dulins to help fund their endeavor to provide Justice for Kari. Not once have you heard them ask for money due to the financial burdon this brings upon them."

Waco Trib article today...

Matt Baker soliciting funds for civil suit battle over wife's death


I have more to say and quote from this article than I have time this morning. Just wanted to put the link up for those that might want to read it. I'll check back in later.

* Notice on the left-hand side on the online article they have posted links to previous Waco Trib articles on this case. Very handy for those that have missed some.