Photo Courtesy of Kerr County Sherriff’s Dept.
Hewitt, Texas, a small suburb of Waco, is not a place one typically associates with sensational crime stories. As someone who calls Waco home, this story hits especially close to heart. The community was forever shaken by the chilling case of Matt Baker, a pastor who murdered his wife, Kari Baker, in 2006. This crime, driven by infidelity and greed, shocked not only the local community but also gained nationwide attention through coverage on shows like 48 Hours and a subsequent documentary.
The Man Behind the Mask
Matt Baker was a man of faith—at least on the surface. As a pastor, he held a position of trust and respect within his community. Married to Kari, a loving mother and devout Christian, Baker seemed to have an ideal life. Yet, beneath this polished exterior, he harbored dark secrets.
In the months leading up to Kari’s death, their marriage had been under strain. Friends and family later described Kari as someone who loved her children deeply and was dedicated to her faith, but who was also increasingly troubled by Matt’s behavior. Unbeknownst to Kari, her husband had been carrying on an affair with Vanessa Bulls, a younger woman who would play a pivotal role in uncovering the truth about this case.
The Crime
On April 8, 2006, Kari Baker was found dead in her home. Matt claimed she had committed suicide, leaving a note that expressed despair over their strained marriage and the death of their daughter Kassidy years earlier. To the untrained eye, it seemed plausible—Kari had struggled with grief following Kassidy’s passing.
However, investigators soon began to notice inconsistencies. Forensic experts determined that the supposed suicide note did not match Kari’s handwriting. Additionally, toxicology reports revealed that Kari had been drugged with sleeping pills before her death, and bruising on her body suggested foul play. Despite this evidence, it would take years for justice to catch up with Matt Baker.
The Mistress’s Role
Vanessa Bulls, Matt’s mistress, became a key figure in unraveling the case. Initially, she denied any involvement, claiming she knew nothing of Matt’s plans. However, it later emerged that Matt had confided in her about his desire to be free of his marriage to pursue their relationship. In chilling testimony, Vanessa admitted that Matt had talked about killing Kari and making it look like a suicide.
Her eventual cooperation with authorities helped secure Baker’s conviction, but not before years of legal wrangling and mounting pressure from Kari’s determined family.
A Family’s Fight for Justice
Kari Baker’s parents, Linda and Jim Dulin, were instrumental in ensuring that Matt did not escape justice. Refusing to accept the initial ruling of suicide, they tirelessly advocated for a deeper investigation. Their efforts paid off when new evidence emerged, leading to Matt’s arrest in 2009, three years after Kari’s death.
During the trial, prosecutors painted a picture of a manipulative and calculating man who had meticulously planned his wife’s murder. They argued that Matt drugged Kari with Ambien and then suffocated her with a pillow, staging the scene to look like a suicide. His motive? To be with Vanessa Bulls and to gain access to Kari’s life insurance payout.
The jury found Matt Baker guilty of murder, sentencing him to 65 years in prison. To this day, he maintains his innocence, but the evidence against him is overwhelming.
Media Spotlight
The case of Matt Baker has been featured in various media outlets, including CBS’s 48 Hours, which delved into the intricate details of the investigation and trial. A documentary also examined the broader implications of the case, including the misuse of religious authority and the resilience of Kari’s family in seeking justice.
These portrayals highlight not only the crime itself but also the societal questions it raises. How could someone in a position of moral authority commit such a heinous act? And how can communities protect themselves from predators who hide behind a veneer of respectability?
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Legacy and Lessons
The tragic story of Kari Baker serves as a cautionary tale. It underscores the importance of questioning surface appearances and advocating for the truth, even when it seems insurmountable. Kari’s family’s relentless pursuit of justice exemplifies the power of love and determination.
For the community of Hewitt and beyond, this case remains a stark reminder that evil can lurk in the most unexpected places. It’s a story of betrayal, resilience, and ultimately, justice—though it came at a devastating cost.
As Matt Baker serves out his sentence, the memory of Kari Baker endures. Her story continues to inspire those who fight for justice, proving that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, the truth can prevail.
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.
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