GUILTY TX - Kari Baker, 31, found dead in her Hewitt home, 7 April 2006

[dodie20]

Thank you Websleuths for the 48 hours episode alert.

Thank you to A_News_Junkie & Justice In Waco & others for all the work you have done, keeping everyone up to date on this case.

I haven't read every post on this thread yet, my opinion is based on what I know at this time.

Thank you to those who fought to get justice for Kari! After watching the 1st 48hours segment, I didn't think Kari would take her own life. She lost a child but had 2 others to raise, love and care for. Someone almost got away with a crime, in the end.... they didn't!

Thank you again for all those who fought to get justice for Kari!

I agree, but can't help but think that the gf did get away with a crime. What a cold, evil woman. Yeah, she lost that job, but I'm sure she's already got another. I live in a smallish Texas town, & my best friend used to go to a Baptist church, & I'd sometimes go with her & play the piano. The preacher offered me the full time position, but there was just something about him, that made me nervous, so I didn't take it. He was 30 something, & had a wallflowery, sickly wife & a couple of kids. Well, she wound up dead from a shotgun blast, & it was ruled a suicide. Even though I was just in my 20's, I didn't buy it, & never went back to the church. My friend was devastated, because she had become good friends with the lady, but she completely supported the man. Years later, I told my friend of my suspicions, how I'd picked up a leering, sexual vibe from him, how I didn't think she would've killed herself & taken a chance of her kids finding her like that, & how I found it next to unbelievable, that this woman chose a shotgun, as a way out. She told me that within a couple of weeks of her death, he was in an open relationship with another woman from the church, & because she felt betrayal for her friend, she stopped going to church...but she still thinks the lady killed herself. I think he got away with murder.

 

[Woe.be.gone]

I watched both hours last night after seeing the note about the case here on WS. Within the first thirty minutes of the show, I suspected he was lying. First, why would a dad go out at 11PM to rent a video for him and his wife (who was not sleeping but then was sleeping when he left) when they would have to get up early in the morning to tend to small children, etc. That right there made no sense. When they explained the blood flow pattern and how one hour would not be long enough to result in the state that they found the body in upon first response, I thought 'what else does anybody need to know?' They should have launched an investigation based upon that fact.

In this case I think the police failed to do their job. A 31 year old, otherwise healthy woman, dies of unknown reasons, leaves a typed note by her bedside, a bottle of pills and a husband who was conveniently gone for an hour prior to calling 911. Give me a break. I can't get over the fact that this wasn't investigated more thoroughly to begin with, preacher or no preacher.

When they introduced the phone records and he sat there and said 'I needed a friend', I thought 'what a snake'. Whatever happened to common sense within the police department? I wasn't buying that after seven years, Kari decided to take her own life over the death of her baby when she had two other healthy children that needed her as well. On top of everything else, she had verbalized her fear to others regarding her inkling that her husband may try to kill her. No one would say that unless something was really wrong imo.

It's also very difficult to comprehend why the other woman would continue to see him for even one minute knowing what he did his to his wife. It's hard for me to see what she even saw in him (although he looked cute in the wedding picture) as he didn't come across as irresistible to me, just pompous.

Another convincing factor about the type of person he is is when Erin questioned him about blaming his wife for their daughter's death and he denied blaming her despite the fact that Erin had a copy of an email that proved he did blame her. How many examples of a liar does one need to have to believe that he is one? It showed how mean and evil he could be to his own wife yet he twisted everything to make her look bad/sick.

Oprah has this saying that goes something like 'when someone shows you who they are, believe them.' I don't think we do that enough when people hide behind smoke screens like he did (preacher).

My deepest sympathy to the mom, friends and family who have lost their person and have had to deal with a deceptive killer for all these years. You are so strong.

Anyway, even though I'm sure I just expressed much of the same that's been expressed throughout this thread, I thought I'd post my impression of the case as someone who heard about it for the first time.

 

[Woe.be.gone]

These extras are almost more informative than the show!
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7007573n&tag=contentBody;housing

Drip - I will get that to you - I am not sure if I can link the site or not.

Very informative. I noted some body language when Kari's best friend spoke directly to Matt and told him how he hurt her family, her son as they considered him a good friend too. Notice that he hangs his head while at the same time he's nodding up and down in agreement. He knows, he knows.

 

[Woe.be.gone]

The people who helped bring this case to justice are awesome and that is the correct use of the word. All of them. They may not know it yet, but Keri's girls deserve and should be surrounded by those people.

 

[dodie20]

I watched both hours last night after seeing the note about the case here on WS. Within the first thirty minutes of the show, I suspected he was lying. First, why would a dad go out at 11PM to rent a video for him and his wife (who was not sleeping but then was sleeping when he left) when they would have to get up early in the morning to tend to small children, etc. That right there made no sense. When they explained the blood flow pattern and how one hour would not be long enough to result in the state that they found the body in upon first response, I thought 'what else does anybody need to know?' They should have launched an investigation based upon that fact.

In this case I think the police failed to do their job. A 31 year old, otherwise healthy woman, dies of unknown reasons, leaves a typed note by her bedside, a bottle of pills and a husband who was conveniently gone for an hour prior to calling 911. Give me a break. I can't get over the fact that this wasn't investigated more thoroughly to begin with, preacher or no preacher.

When they introduced the phone records and he sat there and said 'I needed a friend', I thought 'what a snake'. Whatever happened to common sense within the police department? I wasn't buying that after seven years, Kari decided to take her own life over the death of her baby when she had two other healthy children that needed her as well. On top of everything else, she had verbalized her fear to others regarding her inkling that her husband may try to kill her. No one would say that unless something was really wrong imo.

It's also very difficult to comprehend why the other woman would continue to see him for even one minute knowing what he did his to his wife. It's hard for me to see what she even saw in him (although he looked cute in the wedding picture) as he didn't come across as irresistible to me, just pompous.

Another convincing factor about the type of person he is is when Erin questioned him about blaming his wife for their daughter's death and he denied blaming her despite the fact that Erin had a copy of an email that proved he did blame her. How many examples of a liar does one need to have to believe that he is one? It showed how mean and evil he could be to his own wife yet he twisted everything to make her look bad/sick.

Oprah has this saying that goes something like 'when someone shows you who they are, believe them.' I don't think we do that enough when people hide behind smoke screens like he did (preacher).

My deepest sympathy to the mom, friends and family who have lost their person and have had to deal with a deceptive killer for all these years. You are so strong.

Anyway, even though I'm sure I just expressed much of the same that's been expressed throughout this thread, I thought I'd post my impression of the case as someone who heard about it for the first time.

I enjoyed reading your post. Thanks. I don't remember where I read it, but I do remember reading that the gf came from a very popular & well liked family. I think her dad might've been a football coach or something. I live in Texas, & my father-in-law was a fb coach for years, (drafted by Chicago), so I know 1st hand what that kind of status gets. Personally, I think the gf's involvement made investigators shuffle their feet on this one, & I don't find it a bit surprising that she was granted ammunity...although she didn't deserve it. They should've gone after her too.

 

[dodie20]

Very informative. I noted some body language when Kari's best friend spoke directly to Matt and told him how he hurt her family, her son as they considered him a good friend too. Notice that he hangs his head while at the same time he's nodding up and down in agreement. He knows, he knows.

YES!!! a moment of truth.

 

[In da Middle]

Watch his eyes when interviewed. When he is asked directly if he had anything to with her death his answers "no" and his eyes start fluttering - every time. When asked simple questions no fluttering. Watch the pleas of Susan Smith and you will see the same thing. BTW that is what nailed in for me in her case also.

This happens multiple times in the interviews.

 

[mitzi]

Watch his eyes when interviewed. When he is asked directly if he had anything to with her death his answers "no" and his eyes start fluttering - every time. When asked simple questions no fluttering. Watch the pleas of Susan Smith and you will see the same thing. BTW that is what nailed in for me in her case also.

This happens multiple times in the interviews.

George Anthony does that eye fluttering thing too. :furious:

 

[A_News_Junkie]

http://www.kxxv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13514642
"Baker's attorney, Stan Schwieger, says his client's trial attorneys were ineffective for not objecting to an alternate juror being present in deliberations."

We already heard that arugument - ugg
http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2010/01_02/2010_01_23_Witherspoon_SomeBaker.htm

Then he wants us to feel VB is not credible but 1. She lost everything and is probably unemployable after testifying....(rightly so, a small price compared to what Kari and her family paid) and 2. Even if you toss out her testimony all together the outcome is the same. The computer forensics, his LIES, the 911 call with not even a hint of doing CPR (oh and waiting outside when they got there) - well you get the point! Oh and his LIES!

So, I doubt the Dulins or Susan or Crawford will loose a moment sleep over this lame attempt.

 

[A_News_Junkie]

Dear Kari,
As I spend this quiet morning waking up with WS posts (my coffee routine!) and as you spend this glorious day with your Lord and Savior -- I want you to know, you are not forgotten and my prayers go out everyday for the best to come for your darling daughters. I pray this will be the year all appeals are shot down and custody of the girls will be granted to your mother and father.
Your mother taught the world about a true Christian as she spoke aloud to forgive; for the peace it gives your daughters and when she spoke the loudest truth - that LOVE TRUMPS EVIL.
Merry Christmas Kari - be at peace, we will take it from here!

 

[RoseTree]

Ah, I had no idea that this case was being covered by WS. my husband and I lived in Hewitt, where the Baker's lived, at this time. Kari's mom was my speech professor in 1997. I have always felt a special connection to this case.

Like she said, Love Trumps Evil.

I think it should be noted that when we lived there, the Neigborhood Watch officer in charge spoke to our neighborhood watch group and told us that there is only 1 or so murder in Hewitt every year, just a few sexual assaults. I remember being relieved, but I would now see that as almost a red flag- they probably didn't really know how to handle this case.

 

[RoseTree]

Oh I also want to say that Judge Strother was the judge on the case, and I was in his courtroom OFTEN over a period of 3-4 years for work. He is more than fair. I adore him as a judge and from what I know of him as a person. I have never seen him lose his temper, with many opportunities to do so. Just my .02

 

[A_News_Junkie]

Rose Tree - I agree, the judge was FANTASTIC. I don't think Hewitt knew how to handle it - maybe because they didn't have experience. The lividity was always hard for me for them not to have caught. Within moments of seeing the case on Dateline or 48 hours (forget which one I saw first now) I instantly saw that. Then the ESPN and to tell you the truth, Kari's head at the foot of the bed never made sense to me either. That throw pillow (decorative pillow) lying on the floor and ............I could go on and on, but my instinct told me no way this was a suicide and there is no way that man dressed her, etc.
If you haven't found Shannon's blog -- look at it. There is a couple working to change the law on the medical examiner rules. That guy dropped the ball, and one of the EMT's tried every which way but loose while still respecting the line of command to get him out of bed and to see the warning signs that this was not a suicide.
Here is the link to her page: http://dontevengetstarted.blogspot.com/

Last I heard anything (there is another gag order in the case and waco trib got mean and went private :-( ) but the custody hearing was/is (?) scheduled for January. I truly feel in my heart, Kari's daughters should be with Linda Dulin and Jim Dulin. I am jealous you have met Linda Dulin in person -- and you got to take her class!
RIP Kari - we won't ever forget you and we will see this through for you and your girls!

 

[Blondie in Spokane]

Thanks for constantly updating this thread, A New Junkie!

I hadn't visited the above referenced blog since this case was on trial. I didn't give it much thought since he was found guilty, but it always has clear, concise, factual info and it's well written. Appreciate the reminder about it, too.

I sure hope the Dulin's are granted custody of those girls soon. Maybe then some of the emotional damage can be undone through therapy. I sure hope so because I have no doubt that those two girls have been severely brain-washed over a period of time. (IMO)

 

[Melanie]

Not sure if it's been posted before, but it's on 20/20 too via HULU:

Link: [ame="http://www.hulu.com/watch/163315/abc-2020-fri-jul-9-2010"]Hulu - ABC 20/20: Fri, Jul 9, 2010 - Watch the full episode now.@@AMEPARAM@@http://www.hulu.com/embed/3qsUPzGG7RGajHqbyZvRtA@@AMEPARAM@@3qsUPzGG7RGajHqbyZvRtA[/ame]

Kari is such a beautiful woman.

Mel

 

[RoseTree]

Thanks Junkie! I have been to that blog and I intend to follow it. I don't know WHAT the Waco Trib was thinking- going private. Insert major eye roll here.

Of course, I didn't know the Bakers, but I remember that at the time I was talking to a foster parent if I recall correctly- and she was telling me that her child's teacher had commited suicide, and how surprising and unexpected that it was. She was horrified. Concerned for her child, sad, etc...

Of course it was Kari. It's chilling to recall.

 

[A_News_Junkie]

Phase One of Justice was obtained 1 year ago today!!!!!!!!!!
:great::great::great::great::great:
History link: http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/82160932.html


Now, hopefully the custody will be settled soon and we will hear about it!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[A_News_Junkie]

Just saw this on: http://dontevengetstarted.blogspot.com/

The custody trial has been moved back to April 5.

Here is to praying the right thing is done and the girls are given to the Dulin's to be raised with LOVE TRUMPING EVIL!!!!!!

 

[A_News_Junkie]

Please make this call for Kari -- as another piece of the justice on earth that can be given.
This is the House bill that was spawned by the Purdy's, originally called Kari's law - that set parameters in place to prevent another justice of the piece (not peace) ruling from bed and no need for autopsy for a mother whom loved her children and didn't type a note watching ESPN. ( Can you tell this case still gets under my skin! I think it will till the day I read at DEGMS that Kari's children are with her mom and dad, Linda and Jim.)

Read all about TEXAS HOUSE BILL 3546 Here:
http://dontevengetstarted.blogspot.com/2011/03/house-bill-3546-karis-law.html

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!

 

[A_News_Junkie]

http://www.kxxv.com/Global/story.asp?S=14353512 Story and VIDEO!

We get to see Mr. Purdy - one of the authors of the bill!!!!!!!!

A HERO:

SNIP from story:
""We wish there was money that we could send from the state to kind of help make up the difference, but it's just one of those situations," says Anderson, "And that may very well affect the success of the bill."
Other concerns have been raised by the Texas Suicide Prevention Council, who fear that an autopsy might be an added indignity to grieving families."

Me:
They say that each autopsy would be about $2000.00 .... and a life, is worth what? Let one killer go free to kill again and 25,000 a year sounds like a bargain to me. In Kari's case alone, the inquest, extra hearings and man hours (for state) not to mention what the family's cost must have been --- seems an early, accurate answer could save money.


As to the Texas Suicide Prevention Council fearing an autospy might add indignity to a grieving family ------------> SERIOUSLY????????? I don't see how, and are they implying that in 2011 there should be "indignity" to mental illness? No wonder Texas recently hushed news of a preacher in Kerrville whom took his life. Sorry, but that really hits me wrong. What if an autopsy preformed under this bill, revealed a murder........can they really do a cost benefit analysis of money or "indignity" to justify the "Oh well" attitude??????