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.  ;)

"Twist of Faith" - Investigation Discovery

True Crime with Aphrodite Jones (on the Investigation Discovery channel) is airing their show on our case this Thursday, April 28.  If you are on DirecTV, it's Channel 285.  DishNetwork is Channel 192.  If you are in Central Texas: Time Warner is Channel 134 and Grande is Channel 161.  To verify what channel it is in your area and with your service provider, you can click here and then scroll down a little bit on the right side and you can put your info in their Channel Finder widget.

Case Profile: Matthew Baker
By Chris Opfer
Edited by Kevin P. Allen

Matthew Baker is a former preacher and father of three who was convicted of killing his wife so he could be with his mistress. The Baptist minister drugged and suffocated Kari Baker and attempted to make her death look like a suicide. The scheme almost worked.

ID VIDEO: Who Was Kari Baker?
Aphrodite Jones meets with convicted murderer and former Pastor, Matthew Baker. His interview sparks the question about his victim, "Who Was the real Kari Baker?"



ID VIDEO: Kari Baker's Last Days
Aphrodite Jones learns more about Kari Baker's last days before she was murdered by her husband, Pastor Matthew Baker.



Come back here after the show and we can discuss.

Article about the online auction on ABPNews.com

Online auction to raise legal fees for custody battle
Associated Baptist Press
Bob Allen

The Dulins, who have visitation rights with their granddaughters once a month, filed suit seeking custody of the girls. More than a year later, with legal bills mounting, a group of friends stepped forward to organize a fund raiser through a “Justice for Kari” website and Twitter.


Donations of used items, services and cash are rolling in for an online auction scheduled May 21-22. Bidding will start at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, and continue until 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 22. Donations will be accepted until May 15, but organizers said making them sooner rather than later will help with cataloguing.  (read more)

Thanks, Bob for noticing this on the blog and letting the world know via ABPNews.com!

Donations rolling in.....

Thanks so much everyone!! Just wanted to let you guys know about some of the wonderful donations that have come in for the May 21 & 22 Online Auction.

***Scroll down to see all the *NEW*  private donations***  =)

*NEW*  Awesome youth bluegrass band, Third Rail, has donated musical entertainment for a party, event, or BBQ
*NEW*  ESPN Radio - donated 2 tickets to the Rangers vs Houston Astros game on June 21 in Arlington
*NEW*  West Lake Monogram (Dennis Webb) - Will embroider 6 "Texas" (red/white/blue) caps with "I helped Kari's kids" on the front AND a new Game Guard BCB-240 cooler bag and will embroider a name on it.
*NEW*  PAT GREEN FANS, ARE YOU SITTING DOWN?!  Pat is donating a guitar and will add personalized autograph to the highest bidder!  Waco celebs are 2nd to none!!
~   Sporthooks.com - created a rack that reads "Love Triumphs Evil"

~   Scentsy : Nikki Ellison - Scentsy gift bag to include single scent, room spray and hanging freshener
~   The Pampered Chef :  Darla Cannon - a barbeque turner (spatula)
~   Homemade Gourmet : Melodee and Gordon Austin - Classic Favorites Collection - homestyle spaghetti sauce mix, garlic basil seasoning, jalapeno bacon cheddar dip mix, & sunday roast seasoning.
~   Rosati's Authentic Chicago Pizza  - Gift card
~   KGKK Photography (Owner Dana Carver) - Waco area photo shoot at highest bidder's choice location
~   Chariots of Fire Limousine Service - 2 hours of limo time

~   Roger Olson donated a signed copy of his book "Questions to all your Answers: The Journey from Folk Religion to Examined Faith"
~   $100 gas gift card
~   Cameron Park Zoo - Zoo passes!
~   Outdoor Connection, Inc.  (Global company based out of Hewitt, TX) - a plethora of awesome gear items - Binoor camera strap, 2 GO bags (green, black), 2 canvas bags (gray, green), pink bag and camo Bummer seat.  These are heavy-duty, outdoor items.  Most of them are guaranteed forever.  QUALITY stuff!
~   Mandee (owner of new shop in town) Sweet-n-Sassy Designs - A cupcake/cake decorating party for 10 
~  The Grape - $25 gift card 
~  Tish Smith with uppercase living - donated a beautiful "beautiful" decorative plate <---Love this!
~  Neat as a Pin! Organizing Experts - Jennifer Snyder (owner/organizer) has donated 4 hours of her time

~  La Bella Candle Company of Boerne, Texas:  3" Hand-poured candle in jar with lid initialed "L" and "B" with two wicks, scent of gardenias
~  Crooked Creek Candles (owner Anna Rowell) in Lorena, TX - awesome gift basket
~  My sweet friend, and New York best selling author, Wendy Corsi Staub is donating a couple signed books! 
~  Pom at Bangkok Royal has donated a dinner for two at his downtown restaurant
~  Gourmet Gallery - Cooking Class
~  Reed's Flowers donated a plant
~  Sironia has just provided us with a great package of gifts
~  Author-signed books: My Reading Life by Pat Conroy & The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
~  Tiffany Bolton has provided a night at the Czech Inn, dinner in West and a bottle of wine
~  Kelly Young (http://www.deconstructed-design.com/ in Austin) has given us a one of a kind piece

~  Creighton Bennett & Associates - 10 knockout roses and 1, 15 gallon crape myrtle (nearly $400 retail!)
~  Collage Boutique - whimsical tshirt
~  The Beauty Shop (Basy Barrera - Kari's hairdresser) - Cut and color
~  Harley Davidson Round Rock - Vintage ladies short-sleeve, button up HD shirt
~  Wesley Chapel Tri Team & Personal Training (Florida) - 4 sessions of personal training
~  Infinity Pilates & Yoga - 1 month pass good for 10 group classes
~  The Mane Event - Beauty Services
~  Power of Massage (C.J. Harper, R.M.T.) - massage
~  Linda R. - 1 hour, in-house dog training
~  Jaqueline Abney (Master Dog Groomer) - Dog grooming certificates

* If you are are business that has made a donation and I don't have your logo, please email it to me at JusticeForKari@gmail.com


Private donations so far include:

*NEW*  French Horn ($200 value)
*NEW*  Royal Doulton Stanwyck fine china (Service for 12 -minus what the movers broke with some serving pieces), new set of stainless silverware, water and tea goblets
*NEW*  "Rockabye" Doll - beautiful, life-like, life size doll  (Retails $198.00)
~  Tall white wicker shelf
~  Portable sewing machine
~  Collection of Indian dolls circa 60s
~  Bubble gum machine
~  Some 33 & 45 records. Yes, that's right. VINYLS!!!!
~  Box of games (2 Taboo - brand new, Trivial Pursuit, Outburst)
~  Sony compact hi-fi stereo system
~  An incredible music box snow globe depicting a nativity scene
~  Stay overnight in a guesthouse on Medina Mountain and treated to breakfast before starting your day in our part of the Texas Hill Country
~  BAYLOR FANS: Gallon Pak 16 oz. Dr. Pepper commemorating 1974 SCC Baylor Bears. Bottles are full unopened & mint condition!  Amazing donation!!
~  Stunning 14 kt yellow gold 1.2" earrings shaped like a bird cage with heart danglets
~  Linda R's (Grandmother's traditional recipe) famous homemade French chocolate mousse for 12
~   Charles M. Russell, Word Painter: Letters 1887-1926 - Illustrated with sketches or small paintings.Loads of jewelry from one donor
~  A gently used sectional sleeper sofa was donated
~  New "Home Trends" Regulator clock
~  New "Impressions" ceiling fan, bought new, never taken out of box. 52" four blades, bright brass finish* ~  Set of three brightly painted Mexican suns bought in Cuernavaca
~  Ceramic cross bought in Cuernavaca. Painted orchid with pinkish flowers and orange and black Monarch butterfly in the center.
~  Jeeves and Wooster 4-DVD set in case. 23 episodes of the hit A&E series starring Hugh Laurie (of House) and Stephen Fry (of Gosford Park)
~  Eclectic collection of 7 fun hats for girls
~  Toppers Roll Ups to pack and compactly carry toiletries
~  Small brocade kittens make-up bag. Olive green vinyl and canvas piping and trim. Inside snap and elastic pocket, mirror on top of lid.
~  Several formal/semi formal dresses
~  Donation from Sharon Reed, friend and fellow church member of the Dulins has offered 2 sets of lessons:
Basics of Crochet
Learn the basic crochet stitches:  chain, single crochet, and double crochet.  Minimum of 3 hours, to be taught in several lessons at your house in Waco.  Includes 1 skein of yarn and 1 hook.
Beyond Double Crochet
Want to learn how to make a Granny Square?  Want help deciphering a pattern?  Maximum of 3 hours, total, to be taught in several sessions at your house in Waco.
~  Someone in France has just donated a very good bottle of Chateau Canon
~  Lots of worn-once clothing and shoes
~  A CD/DVD carrying case
~  21kt gold & diamond necklace, a gold ring, some costume pearl earrings. Thanks AH!
~  Anonymous donor: several pieces of antique furniture, a tea service and an antique Singer sewing machine with all original parts and working
~  A CPA has offered to prepare an individual tax return for the the 2010 (if not already filed) or 2011 tax year.
~  Bicycle rack, some notecards and a couple of baseball "wobble heads"
~  A vase and piece of artwork 
~  Incredible antiques donated: Rolltop desk circa 1900, tea server, original working Singer sewing machine and table, 1 John Boat with 2 chairs in perfect operating condition and no breaks, chips, cracks, etc
~  2 very unique sterling silver rings
~  A beautiful pair of gold and diamond earrings!
~  Someone donated a day of fishing and barbecue on their 3 stocked ponds in Waco
~  A life-size Santa Claus poster
~  5 gorgeous framed Renoir prints; not posters. They feel like a painting. Also a tapestry & a Johnny Cash poster.
~  Jennifer spoiled us with some home artifacts, antique shoe molds, a collection of penguins, some 'Radioheads' t-shirts but most of all...an amazingly stunning antique lace dress as well as some handmade media collage cards from her label http://www.jblackdesigns.etsy.com/
~  We have a series of art, crafts, & creativity books; thanks Brenda
~  Autographed copy of "Pearl Harbor: A novel of December 8th" by Newt Gingrich & William R. Forstchen signed by Newt, first ed. 2007
~  Signed copy of The Virtues of Aging by Jimmy Carter
~  Julie O. gave a small painting of a horse by the famous Houston artist Cisco Tucker Kolkmeier http://t.co/c9WTT4X A true collectible!
~  A vintage wedding gown and veil (circa 1979) Size 8 in excellent condition
~  A GE 25" TV with remote
~  Suit jackets for men
~  Wine Cooler (not the beverage......a wine bottle cooler)
~  Case of wine
~  Sportsbag, a pencil set and an exquisite silver bracelet engraved with Psalm 91:11
~  4 passes to US House of Representatives Gallery in DC
~  Homemade jewelry
~  Purses
~  Picnic double bottle carrier for wine w/ fancy corkscrew
~  Collectors' item: 20 year old Rolex watch with papers
~  Painting
~  Barge party!
~  Candles
~  Rustic child’s desk (way cute)
~  Rustic wooden 10-gallon aquarium stand
~  A set of china, some dishes, a huge antique wall hanging
~  Ten, 10oz. candles fragrance of choice were donated by a local candle maker
~  A LOT of excellent quality costume jewelry including Dior & Lalique
~  A dear friend of Kari's has given multiple family/individual photo sessions on location in the Dallas area or Waco.
~  Portofino's gift certificate
~  Computer training
~  Dinner parties
~  Basket of books
~  Pet items
~  Water filter

*Not sure if the donated books are hardcover or paperback...but it will be made clear on the auction website.  ;)

Will be adding to this last as they come in! If you own a business or know someone that owns a business, consider donating something to the auction! Ask around. If you can provide a service......consider donating some time! If you have things laying around the house that you're done with and they are still in good condition......consider donating!
Be creative!
Big or small......all is welcome! Email me at JusticeForKari@gmail or Linda R. at DulinFans@gmail.com.

THANKS, EVERYONE!

Alright Dulin Fans.....

The same great heart that produced the Justice for Kari stickers has struck again with another wonderful, fruitful way to help the Dulins in their quest to soon raise Kensi and Grace to be the whole, healed, precious daughters of Kari. i received the following email yesterday and want to share it with everyone:

Dear Friends of Jim and Linda Dulin, I know I don’t have to remind you that Jim and Linda lost their precious daughter, Kari, in April 2006. Not only is this the most horrible nightmare a parent can experience, but they soon realized that the events surrounding her death were very suspicious. Because they could not enlist the help of the Hewitt Police, the Dulins and family members began their own investigation. Eventually, Jim and Linda hired private investigators, an attorney and filed a civil “wrongful death” lawsuit.

In March of 2009, the District Attorney’s office became officially involved and indicted Matt Baker, the Dulin’s former son-in-law, for murder. He was convicted and sentenced to 65 years in prison in January of 2010. While there is long sigh of relief in seeing that a murderer has been held accountable for his crime, Jim and Linda are still in the middle of their fight for justice.

You see, for the Dulins this was about saving their granddaughters. In Texas, a parent does not lose parental rights for murdering his spouse----the mother of his children. Matt Baker gave guardianship of his children to his parents, people who claim their son’s innocence to this day and tell their granddaughters that their father is innocent and will be coming back to Kerrville. The Dulins want to bring their granddaughters home to Waco to heal. They want them to get the professional help they need---to grieve---to feel safe to love all of their family----to just be children. Instead, their contact with their granddaughters is limited to one weekend a month, visitation they had to fight for in court.

I’m sure you can imagine not only the emotional costs of this ordeal, but also the financial burdens. Linda and Jim will not state how much they have spent, but friends know that it is a great deal. However, the Dulins say they are blessed that they have been able to find what they need to move forward. Nonetheless, as the legal battle for custody continues, the financial burdens mount for Jim and Linda. And we ….their friends…..want to help. We would love it if you would, too.

We are going to have an online auction May 21-22. In order to have items to sell, we would appreciate YOUR DONATIONS. Let us help you take items off your hands that are still in good shape for others! You can also provide a service, like a dinner in your home, or a training in your field, an hour of your time. And, of course, we’ll accept money! SPREAD the word through email, tweets, and Facebook to encourage others to donate. Let’s help Linda and Jim provide the resources to fight for their granddaughters and bring them home!

To provide goods, services or moneys, or for more information, please contact Linda Reichenbach at [Email JusticeForKari@gmail.com for Linda R.'s info] no later than May 15; the sooner the better so we can get them catalogued and ready to place online to prepare for bidding.

Then of course, we would love for you to go bid on other items on the day of the auction. The sale will begin at 8 am on the 21st of May and end at 5 pm the 22nd. We urge you to pass this message along. Let people know about this. We will mail items to people who don’t live in the Waco/McLennan county area. You don’t have to leave your house; just bid right from your computer. How fun is this!!!

Everyone has expressed sympathy and questioned how they can help; this is how. Share this information with as many people as possible. Thank you for caring.

The Dulin Fan Club

There has already been a great start with some generous donations of services and goods for the auction already pledged. This is going to be such a wonderful success. Any amount of monies or goods/services donated is a step towards that success. Any local businesses that care to donate to the auction and would let me, I'd like to give back with a little free "THANK YOU" advertising on this blog. You can email me your link (text or graphic) to your website or if you don't have a website, just your graphic would be great. I'd like everyone to know and celebrate together with those who have gathered to help the Dulins in their quest to bring the girls home to the loving and healthy family they so deserve. Please email me with any questions and to get in touch with Linda R. on how/where/when to donate.

And don't forget the other end of this: May 21 & 22 - Join us and bid, bid, bid on the online auction! Don't have even get out of your jammies or leave the house. Come and bid on your favorite items and services! Tell everyone you know! I'll provide a link to the auction website as soon as it's ready.

You can follow Linda R.'s Twitter Updates at: https://twitter.com/dulinfans

5 years

It's been 5 years since the Dulin's lost their one and only daughter and sister. 5 years since her family lost their precious, vivacious granddaughter, cousin, aunt and niece. 5 years since Spring Valley lost one of their stellar, loving teachers and 5 years since many lost their dear, if not best, friend. The most heartbreaking loss is that 5 years ago tonight, Kensi and Grace had their mother ripped from their lives, hearts and memories. Well, very soon they will be in the safe and loving environment they need in order to heal and love and remember their amazing Mother.

I'm cut and pasting something from last year's post on this anniversary of Kari's death. I think this is forefront in everyone's minds today:

This is my prayer for the girls:

That you will be free to remember and love your Mother.

That you will be free to love your Mom’s family, especially your grandparents.....and know that it is only by loving that you can heal.

When the time and circumstances are right, you will learn the truth about how your Mom died.....you will be able to accept the truth.....and heal.

That you will be able to love your dad after recognizing and accepting the truth.....again, it is only through love that we can heal.

That you will grow into healthy and whole young women.....fully of joy and life, just like your mother.

That you will know now and always just how special you are and how incredibly loved you are.

Continuance

Suit alleges abuse by Matt Baker's parents

WacoTrib.com
Tommy Witherspoon

In an article in the Waco Tribune Herald by Tommy Witherspoon last week, 2 bombs were dropped:
1)

At least six former foster children who lived in the Baker home in Kerrville in the 1970s are listed as potential witnesses in the custody battle between Kari Baker’s parents, Jim and Linda Dulin, of Woodway, and Matt Baker’s parents, Oscar and Barbara Baker. Court documents filed by the Dulins in the custody case in Kerrville allege “the Bakers have abused children left in their care in the past.” (read more)

Well, this CERTAINLY puts more urgency to having this entire matter examined thoroughly and without delay, doesn't it? Of course, at this time, these are just allegations by the former Baker foster children. But it does make you wonder and worry while we wait for the trial. Prayers going up.

2)

Court records show the judge approved the Bakers’ motion to postpone the trial, at least in part, to give a San Antonio psychologist more time to complete her evaluations of both sets of grandparents and their granddaughters, Kensi, 15, and Grace, 10. (read more)

Well, so much for urgency! Postpone. Put off. Duck. Hide. It can only go on for so long. This particular postponement by the Bakers was "at least in part" to give the San Antonio psychologist more time? Obviously since this was not the Dulin's request, but the Baker's request for a continuance with the Court, they are the ones with the hold up with the psychological evaluation. What is the problem?? It seems to me that all parties would WANT to get this heard in court for the benefit of Kensi and Grace. Why keep these children in limbo? This is the third continuance in this case. THE THIRD. I know Linda and Jim have been ready to go to trial for a long time. I’m just asking.....What’s up???

While my heart wants this whole thing over with as quickly as possible with the girls safe and secure in thier Mother's family's arms.....if the Baker's want another continuance (with all that comes with it), BRING IT ON!
New court date: July 5, 2011

Quick Post

Much going on and some things being made public after yesterday. Have to go to work now but will update tonight. I've had several emails from people across the nation that have been hearing news stories. If you have something to share, shoot me an email and I can include it tonight. Real quick: There has been a continuance on the custody trial until July 5. But you know what? That's OKAY. More than OKAY. Look at what blessings have rained down after each and every continuance thus far....in the criminal murder trial with Matt and with this custody trial as well. God is working. Boy, is He working.

House Bill 3546 "Kari's Law"

Diligent. Steadfast. Resolute. Gutsy. Wise. Loving.

While these words are often used to describe Kari's loving and dedicated family, today I am using these words to describe Tom and Jan Purdy. It is because of their deep love, amazing efforts and heartfelt tenacity over the last year, that House Bill 3546 has been introduced to the Texas House of Representatives' floor.

You may not recognize the bill by the name of House Bill 3546 so let's call it by its original name......."Kari's Law." Our Texas House Representative, Charles "Doc" Anderson, of McLennan County has introduced House Bill 3546 to the floor.

There was an editorial in the Waco Tribune Herald on Wednesday, March 23 titled "EDITORIAL: Giving greater meaning to Kari Baker's life and death is now up to state legislators." I can't link it because I don't have a paid subscription to view online. But a couple great points on there:

The Purdys based their uphill campaign on a 2010 story by then-Tribune-Herald staff writer Erin Quinn about how local justices of the peacehave sole discretion on whether to order autopsies, even if they lack credentials to know better. JPs get about six hours of training in determining the causes and circumstances in a death — hardly reassuring.

and

We remember seeing bumper stickers on cars and trucks at Matt Baker’s January 2010 trial: “Justice for Kari.” However, if the wisdom behind this bumper sticker isn’t embraced by Texans for the benefit of other victims and their families, we will have sold justice short. “If this need isn’t met, something like this could happen again,” Tom Purdy told us this week. “It is too easy to commit murder, make it look like suicide and get away with it.”

And from the blog Central Texas Personal Injury Trial Lawyers, comes the following info:

Texas law at that time stated that an “inquest meant an investigation into the cause and circumstances of the death…, and a determination, made with or without a formal court hearing, as to whether the death was caused by an unlawful act.” Texas Code of Crim. Pro §49.01. Moreover, a justice of the peace could conduct the “inquest…at any other place determined to be reasonable by the justice.”

In the Baker case, this meant that the presiding justice of the peace was able to investigate Kari Baker’s death and determine the cause via a late night phone call from the responding police officers without getting out of bed. Finally, a justice of the peace had the sole discretion of whether to order an autopsy. Texas Code of Crim.
Pro §49.10.

With all of the other duties of a justice of the peace –performing marriages, issuing warrants, setting bail, conducting criminal and civil trials-it seems that determining death is one duty that should be void of discretion and ultimately up to a medical professional. Accordingly, this Bill and its author are worthy of support.

AMEN!!!

So.......you're sitting there asking, "What can I do to help?" Glad you asked. If you live in Texas, you can call your representatives and voice your support. A simple, quick phone call saying, "My name is ______ _______ and I live in ______, TX. I want to voice my support of House Bill 3546." They note it AND IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

The Waco Tribune Herald editorial lists our representatives for us in McLennan County to call.
State Representative Charles "Doc" Anderson, R-Waco:
House District 56
Capitol Office: EXT E2.502
Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0135
Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910Austin, TX 78768
District Address: 900 Austin Avenue, Suite 804Waco TX 76701
Phone: (254) 754-3892

State Representative Marva Beck, R-Centerville:
House District 57
Capitol Office: EXT E1.310
Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0508
Capitol Address: P.O. Box 2910Austin, TX 78768
District Address: P.O. Box 2910Austin TX 78768

Senator Brian Birdwell, R-Grandbury:
Senate District 22
Capitol Office: EXT E1.708
Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0122
Capitol Address: P.O. Box 12068, Capitol Station Austin, TX 78711
District Address: 900 Austin Ave, Suite 500Waco TX 76701
Phone: (254) 772-6225

If you live in Texas, you can look up your representative's contact info at the Texas Legislature Online. Look about half way down on the right, blue box and put your address in and it will give you the names and contact info of your representatives. If you can, take 5 minutes to make a couple quick calls. They need to know this is a very, very important bill to their constituents.

It looks like there's a way on the TLO site that you can track a bill. I'll find out how and post that here for you all so you can keep up to date on this bill on its way to becoming law!

Sweet Email

Just wanted to share another sweet and insightful email received through the blog.

TEAM.....Dulin!!!!! God bless you indeed....keep on keepin on Linda and all the other "angels"! Signs of the times show it's not too far off that "every tear be wiped away".....

I thanked her for her email and asked if she knew the Dulins.

No, I don't know them personally, but feel almost as though I do...... I can just see they are very good and dear people. I watched the double 48 hrs. broadcast a couple times, and have been reading everything I can about it ever since. Kari was so beautiful, and I am just so sure she was just that way on the inside too! I have cried for Kari and for all those that love and miss her. My thoughts are often on this senseless and cruel tragedy. I give my continued prayers for the Dulins and those around them, and that the girls come to live with the Dulins, where the truth be instilled in them and they can heal.

Warmest regards,
J.L. from Pennsylvania

Kari, Linda and the girls have touched so many hearts. Prayers pouring in from everywhere for truth, love and healing for everyone. Well, the love is already here. Truth and healing are on their way.

Custody Trial Update

I've had quite a few emails from concerned people about the custody trial so I thought I'd take a second and update.

The custody trial has been moved back to April 5.

Matt now has a court appointed attorney (taxpayers everywhere are delighted @@) and "he needs time to prepare."

But all that said, it's alright! God is leading this journey to save the girls. This rescue mission is right on track. Just as God triumphed in the murder trial, so shall He triumph in this one.

Keep up the prayers, everyone! They are soooooo working!!

2010 - Memorable Quotes from the Associated Baptist Press

Worth repeating: 2010 -- the year in quotes
Bob Allen
Associated Baptist Press
December 22, 2010

"(ABP) -- Here are some of the more memorable quotes that appeared in Associated Baptist Press stories and commentaries during 2010. " (Read More)

The second most memorable quote of 2010 for the Associated Baptist Press?

"'Love trumps evil.' (Linda Dulin, telling her son-in-law Matt Baker, a former Baptist pastor convicted of killing her daughter in 2006, why she must forgive him.)"

Yes, Linda. Yes, it does. And it will continue to.

The convicted murderer's final straw

As I said yesterday, this is nothing to be concerned about. The only reason it's news at all is because it's a high profile case. It happens as a matter of course for the guilty to grasp their last proverbial straw.

The Appeals Process

"The appellant's brief must specifically discuss the alleged errors that entitle the appellant to a reversal of the trial court's decision and discuss why each ruling was wrong, citing authority such as a case or statute that applies to the particular point at issue. The appellee may file a brief containing arguments against reversal, discussing why the trial court's ruling was correct. Only conclusions of law, not findings of fact, made by a lower court are reviewable. Appellate courts can decide only issues actually before them on appeal.

The appellate court must decide whether the errors alleged to have been made by the trial court are harmless or prejudicial. If an error substantially injures the rights of the appellant, it is called a prejudicial error, or reversible error, and warrants the reversal of the final judgment or order. If the appeals court determines that the error is technical or minimally affects the rights of the parties or the outcome of the lawsuit, it is considered a Harmless Error and insufficient to require a reversal or modification of the decision of the trial court."

The appeals court does not re-try the case. They simply look at the contentions the murderer has on what he thinks went wrong during his trial.

He complains that Judge Strother was unfair. Whoa, big surprise. Liars and cheats (and murderers) don't like a sharp Judge. Too bad. You shouldn't be on the wrong side of the law.

He complains his counsel was ineffective. We'll, we've beat that poor horse to death. Defense attorneys have actually fallen asleep during a trial........and not be deemed ineffective during an appeal. Nice try, Killer Boy.

He complains that the alternate juror was in the deliberating room for a few minutes. Not against protocol. Are we going spend tens of thousands of tax dollars letting all the murderers appeal when this protocol has taken place? Even Matt's only lawyer admits it's not unusual. Poor guy. Stuck to Matt like this. And besides, that alternate juror DID NOT SPEAK, DID NOT GESTURE and was only in there a few minutes of the 7+ hours it took to deliberate. Did Matt forget that she was the one that had to leave before dark because she couldn't see to drive at night. This was in January. Gets dark pretty danged early in January. I forget the timeframe now but I believe it was less than an hour she silently sat in there. And THIS is your grand "OMG, See? I'm not guilty ploy???"

Worry not, people of faith and justice. And rejoice. Matt's seemingly enternal "10 minutes" are getting closer to being over. This is one of the final steps. By 2011 the cameras and reporters will have nothing left to cover as far as Matt Baker is concerned. Hear the final "ticks of the clock"?

Matt's appeal is nothing new....

Convicted Murderer Matt Baker Wants a New Trial

This is nothing new. He's been working on this since the day after his conviction. The only reason it's news is because his lawyer finally turned it in. Had a late day today so I will post more tomorrow.

You can rest. It's nothing.

48 Hours Web Extra - Justice for Kari

Extra: Justice for Kari

"When Kari Baker's death was ruled a suicide in April 2006, law enforcement thought the case was closed. And it might have been, if not for Kari's mother and a growing circle of family, friends, investigators, attorneys and others who were convinced Kari had been murdered by her husband, Baptist Preacher Matt Baker, and were determined to get justice no matter how long it would take."

Some of the smartest, most tenacious people I know are in this photo. It was an honor to fight for Justice for Kari with each and every one of them. We all continue to work and pray for the final chapter of this "story" to conclude with justice for Kari's girls. Please pray with us.

48 Hours Web Extra - Vanessa Bulls Interrogation

Extra: Vanessa Bulls Interrogation

"Matt Baker told police he found his wife, Kari, dead in their bedroom with a goodbye note on the nightstand. Kari's family suspects Baker is spending time with a young parishioner. Four months after Kari's death, police question Vanessa Bulls about her relationship with the Baptist preacher. They believe she knows more than she's saying."

As much as Matt astounds me with his calm, indifferent air, I think Vanessa might top him. Not only is she indifferent, she has the most chilling way of being able to completely remove herself from the horror of which she speaks. I think if I were to discuss with someone a fictional murder of a fictional character in a murder fiction book I read, I'd have more emotion than this woman does talking to police while hiding what she knew about this cruel and premeditated murder of a woman she KNEW......that was murdered basically FOR her.....in the bed she slept with the woman's husband in. She seems completely emotionally unaffected by the murder of Kari. Completely removed from the horror. So matter of fact....are we done....can I go now.

Despite my feelings, I am very grateful to Vanessa for finally coming forward and telling the Judge, jury, Kari's family and the world what she knew about Kari's murder. I know it has changed her life and things are quite possibly almost unbearable for her right now. But I have to stop short of feeling sorry for her. Sure, she was a victim. Sorta. She's about 30% victim. 70% active participant in this tragedy. She could have kept this whole thing from happening. If she had only done what everyone else I know would have done, Kari would still be alive. Kensi and Grace would still have their Mother. But, alas, she did not. Now she has the chance to regain the balance of her life. She has the chance to grow from this. Change. Start over. Do better. Be better. And I pray that she does.

48 Hours Web Extra - Prison Interview with Matt

Matt Baker Talks to "48 Hours"
"In January 2010, Matt Baker was convicted of murdering his wife and sentenced to 65 years in prison. Nearly nine months later, Erin Moriarty interviewed him at the Polunsky Unit in Livingston, Texas - his fourth interview with '48 Hours.' Baker continues to maintain his innocence."

It is truly amazing that even after 9 months of not much else to do but think of what he did wrong, he STILL cannot keep his stories straight. The looks on Erin's face as he continues to morph his story are priceless.

Hang up that phone. Walk back into your little white jumpsuit world, Matt Baker. We're done with you. And Kari lives on......despite your greatest efforts.

Thank You, Websleuths.com!

If you haven't already found the best and busiest true crime discussion board around, then you're in for a new treat. Check out Websleuths.com right now! I joined this forum last January just before the trial. There has been an ongoing thread discussing our case since at least 2007 called The Preacher's Wife -- Suicide or Murder?

The owner of Websleuths.com is a true sleuth and an all around amazing person! She has our case highlighted on the front page. Take a look.

Fellow WS member JusticeInWaco is an amazing advocate for justice in the murder case of Kari Baker. She has been given an exclusive interview with Erin Moriarty of 48 hours. The show airs tonight on CBS. You can read Erin's answers and comment on them on JusticeInWaco’s blog. Currently the case has rendered a conviction with a sentence of 65 yrs in prision for the murder of Kari. Kari's mother and father are seeking custody of Kari's two daughters.
Please read and comment on Kari’s case here.
Tricia Griffith
Owner/Websleuths.com

In the thread titled, The Preacher's Wife -- Suicide or Murder? I was asked this question earlier this week:

"So, Justice in Waco is Erin as cool in real life as she seems on TV?"

Thought I'd share my answer with you guys here, too:

Yes! My first "time spent" with Erin, her producers and her crew was in January of 2008. I was nervous as all get out to sit down on camera with Erin Moriarty! OMG is not a strong enough phrase. LOL But within minutes, I was completely at ease. Not ready for the interview to be over with actually. Like I said on the blog last night, she and her entire team are the epitome of complete professionalism and complete human-ness. The Producer told me later on the phone that when I was done, there wasn't a dry eye in the house...including cameramen. I don't say to make myself look like "wow" but to show how EVERYONE involved in this story, on all sorts of ends, can't help but be touched by Kari....and her "spirit" that surrounds every single person that fought for her justice.

I don't know if you all know this but someone from 48 Hours (almost always Producer Lisa Freed, sometimes AP Elena DiFiore, and sometimes Erin) was at most of the hearings the year before the actual trial. They would fly down from New York so as not to miss a thing.....get the info and the experience first hand! I honestly can say that they were the only news/investigative journalism team/network to do this. (Correcting this to say the only non-local group to do this. I also want to give a grateful "shout out" to Waco Tribune Herald reporter, Tommy Witherspoon on this. He was most certainly one of THE MOST dedicated reporters during the entire 4+ years....and continuing. Love ya, Tommy!) So I got to spend a little time with these guys at those times. And then they were here during the over-a-week-long trial. Again, very professional. Yet very human. VERY easy to talk to and be with. A fascinating group of very caring, top-notch journalists/reporters.

My experience (and I'll go so far as to speak for Kari's family on this as well) with 48 Hours was far more compassionate than I/we ever imagined it could be. I enjoyed 48 Hours before this. I enjoy AND respect it now ten-fold for having had the chance to personally get to know many of them.

Anyway, that's it for now. After the show airs, 48 Hours will be releasing three web extras. They will, of course, be on their website. I will also put them on the blog as soon as they release them. They will be GOOD ONES!

Matt Baker: Texas Preacher's Interview Used as Evidence in Murder Trial

In Erin's Crimesider report, she shares with us the dilemmas she faced over the years with various interviews she did with Matt. Some even in the presence of his attorney. Matt's stories constantly change before her eyes.....and on camera. Yet he's unabashedly bold in his lies....as if he doesn't remember he's been interviewed before and gave completely contradictory statements at those previous interviews. I mean, seriously, is HE that stupid or does he think the ENTIRE REST OF THE WORLD is that stupid? I know. I know. This is how a classic sociopath relates to the world. I am still just stymied by the behavior.

I know Vanessa Bull's testimony probably tied the final knot in Matt's noose. But Matt Baker himself provided the rope. Time and time again.

Matt Baker: Texas Preacher's Interview Used as Evidence in Murder Trial
Posted by Erin Moriarty

"So weeks after our first interview, we knew we had to go back to Baker and ask him about the incriminating evidence against him. This time, I thought, 'He'll never talk.' I was wrong. Again, he sat down for an interview. This time, attorney Gray was at his side. We were very honest with both of them about the dilemma we faced as reporters. Baker lived in Texas, a state without a strong reporter's shield law. I might be forced to hand over my interviews to an aggressive prosecutor.

Did he still want to talk? I asked. Yes, he said. Was he concerned that something he said could be used against him at trial? No problem, I was told. Baker assured me that he was telling the truth and had nothing to worry about. And again, he went into great detail about his wife's death. This time, however, some of the facts had changed. And he denied in this interview as he did in the first that he had been involved in an affair at the time of his wife's death." (Read More)

Angels and Devils: Texas Monthly - Skip Hollandsworth

Angels and Devils
CBS’s 48 Hours fills in the final chapters of the notorious Matt Baker.

by Skip Hollandsworth
November 2010

EXCELLENT piece by Skip! You must go and read the complete piece. But I will tease you with both the first paragraph and the last. ;)

"Reporters hate to get beat, but I have to tip my hat to Erin Moriarty of CBS’s 48 Hours. Tomorrow evening, on Saturday, October 30, CBS is broadcasting back-to-back 48 Hours Mystery programs that examine the case of Matt Baker, the Baptist preacher in Waco who went from talented, up-and-coming pastor to grieving husband whose wife committed suicide to murder suspect maintaining his innocence to convicted killer."

-and-

"In the end, of course, the most riveting character is Matt Baker. He gave plenty of interviews from the beginning of this saga and, incredibly, agreed to sit down with Moriarty for one last post-trial interview. She decimates him with her questions, especially when she asks why Vanessa would come forward with a story that ultimately won over the jury at trial. She also asks him, point-blank, 'Are you ready to finally admit you killed your wife?' Matt’s answer, and the way he looks at Moriarty as he says it, is worth the price of admission alone."

I totally agree. 48 Hours was more dedicated than I could have ever imagined they would be. And I cannot wait to see tomorrow night's shows.

I'll try to find a working link to Skip's original TM story and post it here.