A Maury County pastor named David Mark Baker died by suicide shortly after being charged with aggravated sexual battery. This incident has caused ripples throughout the community he once served, as Baker was not only a pastor but also a former candidate for Maury County Mayor, and a staff member at Independent Baptist Online College.
A day after his release on a $200,000 bond, Baker entered a public restroom at Maury Regional Medical Center and shot himself twice in the chest. He was arrested on Tuesday afternoon and had managed to post bail early Wednesday morning. Details provided by FOX 17 News reveal that the family member he molested was under the age of 12, which has led to much consternation among those who knew him and his teachings. Former church members have expressed anger and dismay, with one saying, "I was angry because all the victims that there is, there's no telling how many victims, how many girl victims that are out there that he may have done this to."
While the hospital was briefly placed on lockdown following the incident, no other individuals were injured. The medical staff at the emergency department attempted life-saving measures, but Baker's injuries were too severe, and he was declared deceased. As reported by WSMV4, Maury Regional Health has begun the process of offering emotional support services to the patients and staff affected by the incident. The CEO of Maury Regional Health, Martin Chaney, MD, expressed sorrow, "We are deeply saddened by today's events. Our prayers are extended to the family and friends of this individual as well as the members of our team who responded."
As a result of the incident, Baker's affiliations have come under scrutiny. Both the Family Baptist Church and Independent Baptist College Online have severed website links to Baker's connections with the organizations. In 2022, Baker had also unsuccessfully run to be the mayor of Maury County, having lost to Mayor Shelia Butt. He was scheduled to appear in court in early October, as per information provided by NewsChannel 5.
The Columbia Police Department is said to have secured the scene, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing.
