Prosecutor: Rodney J. Cummings, David L. Puckett
Defense: Jeffrey A. Lockwood, Bryan R. Williams
Date of Murder: February 25, 2004
Victim(s): Cory Clark W/F/26; Jenna Clark W/F/4 (No relationship to Baer)
Method of Murder: slashing throat with knife
Summary: On the afternoon of February 25, 2004, Cory Clark and her 4-year-old daughter were alone in their home near Lapel. Her 7-year-old daughter was at school and her husband was outside the state. Baer entered the residence and used a knife to slit the throat of Cory Clark, then chased down 4-year-old Jenna and slit her throat as well. Baer had attempted to rape Cory before her death. Baer had been working at a nearby construction site that day, left work, committed the murders, then returned to the job. The apparent motive was to feed a drug habit and a deviate sexual appetite. Baer also faces Rape and Burglary charges in Marion and Hamilton Counties.
Trial: Information/PC for Murder Filed (03-03-04); Amended Information and Death Sentence Request Filed (04-07-04); Recusal of Presiding Judge (12-16-04); Change of Venue Granted (01-31-05); Motion to Plead Guilty But Mentally Ill (02-28-05); Plea Rejected (03-01-05); Motion to Sever Unrelated Offenses Granted (04-04-05); Voir Dire in Huntington County (04-26-05, 04-27-05, 04-28-05); Amended Information Filed (05-02-05, 05-12-05); Jury Trial in Madison County (05-03-05, 05-04-05, 05-05-05, 05-10-05, 05-11-05, 05-12-05); Verdict (05-12-05); Amended Information Filed (05-17-05); DP Trial (05-19-05, 05-20-05); Verdict (05-20-05); Court Sentencing (06-09-05).
Conviction: Murder, Murder, Robbery (Class A Felony), Attempted Rape (Class A Felony); Theft (Class D Felony).
Sentencing: June 09, 2005
Aggravating Circumstances:
b(1) Robbery, b(1) Attempted Rape, b(8) Two Murders, b(9) On Parole, b(12) Victim Less Than 12
Mitigating Circumstances:
Mental Illness, Paranoid Personality Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Severe Drug Dependency, Difficult Childhood, Toxic Parenting, Bad Report Cards, Impulsive, Mother had Chemotherapy, Sister Got Killed.
DIRECT APPEAL PENDING IN INDIANA SUPREME COURT.
As of July 1, 2006